Computer Architecture Flashcards

Control Unit (CU)

Directs how data moves within the CPU.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs calculations and logic operations.

Registers

Super-fast storage for temporary values in the CPU.

Cache

Small, very fast memory storing frequently used instructions.

Buses

Highways that transport data between components in the CPU.

Instruction Cycle

Four steps: Fetch, Decode, Execute, Store.

Fetch

Get an instruction from memory.

Decode

Understand what to do with the instruction.

Execute

Perform the instruction.

Store

Save the result after execution.

Pipelining

A technique where the CPU starts executing a new instruction before the previous one finishes.

Cache Memory

Faster than RAM, it stores frequently used data and reduces fetch time for the CPU.

Address Bus

Carries memory addresses from the CPU to the memory.

Data Bus

Transfers actual data between the CPU and memory.

Control Bus

Sends control signals from the CPU.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Larger but slower memory that stores active programs and data.

Cache (Memory)

Smaller but much faster memory that stores frequently accessed instructions.

Multicore Processors

Can execute multiple instructions at once, improving multitasking performance.

ALU Operations

Handles mathematical and logical operations like addition and comparisons.

Role of Control Unit (CU)

Directs the flow of data and tells other CPU components what to do.

Integration of Cache Memory

Reduces the time needed to access frequently used data by being integrated into the CPU.

64-bit Processor Compatibility

Can run 32-bit programs using a compatibility mode.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

General-purpose processor optimized for a variety of tasks.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

Optimized for parallel processing, ideal for graphics and AI tasks.

Memory Address Register (MAR)

Holds the address of the location in memory for data operations.

Memory Data Register (MDR)

Temporarily holds data being transferred to/from memory.

Virtual Memory

Technique using part of the hard drive as extra RAM.

Flip-Flops (Latches)

Basic storage elements used in registers and memory, storing one bit of data.

Secondary Storage Types

Includes HDDs, SSDs, and Optical drives.

Operating System (OS) Role in Memory Management

Allocates RAM, uses virtual memory, and prevents program interference.

Persistent Storage

Stores data permanently, unlike RAM.

Benefits of a Multiplexer

Allows multiple signals to be sent over one channel, reducing hardware complexity.