CPU Structure & Instruction Flashcards

CPU

The main component that processes instructions and controls computer operations.

ALU

Performs arithmetic and logical operations such as addition and comparison.

Control Unit

Directs and coordinates all activities of the CPU.

Register

Small and fast storage inside the CPU used to hold data and instructions.

Instruction Cycle

The process the CPU follows to execute an instruction step by step.

Fetch Stage

The CPU retrieves an instruction from memory.

Decode Stage

The CPU interprets the instruction to understand what action is needed.

Execute Stage

The CPU performs the operation specified by the instruction.

Store Stage

The result of the operation is stored back into memory or a register.

Program Counter (PC)

Holds the address of the next instruction to be executed

Instruction Register (IR)

Stores the current instruction being executed.

Clock Cycle

A timing signal that controls the speed of CPU operations.

Pipelining

A technique that allows multiple instructions to be processed simultaneously.

Pipeline Hazard

A situation that prevents the next instruction from executing smoothly.

Data Hazard

Occurs when an instruction depends on the result of a previous instruction.

Throughput

The number of instructions completed in a given time.

Structural Hazard

Occurs when hardware resources are insufficient for parallel execution.

RISC

A CPU design that uses simple and fast instructions.

CISC

A CPU design that uses complex instructions that perform multiple tasks.

Control Hazard

Occurs when the CPU does not know which instruction to execute next.