Studied by 4 peopleCPU
The primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It executes instructions from programs and manages data flow within the system.
Control Unit
The part of the CPU that directs its operation, managing the execution of instructions and coordinating the activities of the other components.
Buses
The communication pathways used to transfer data between different components of a computer, such as the CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
Address Bus
A type of bus that carries memory addresses from the CPU to other components, allowing the system to access specific locations in memory.
Data Bus
The subsystem that carries data between the CPU, memory, and other components, allowing for the transfer of information within a computer system.
Control Bus
A type of bus that carries control signals from the CPU to other components, coordinating their operations and ensuring the proper execution of instructions.
Word
The basic unit of data used by a computer, typically consisting of a fixed number of bits (typically 16, 32, or 64), which can represent a single character or a numerical value.
ALU
A combinational digital circuit that performs arithmetic and logical operations on integer data types, essential for CPU functionality.
Accumulator (ACC)
A register in a CPU that stores intermediate results of arithmetic and logic operations performed by the ALU. It acts as a temporary storage area for data being processed.
Program Counter (PC)
A register in a CPU that holds the address of the next instruction to be executed in the program sequence, essential for instruction sequencing.
Current Instruction Register (CIR)
Holds the current instruction being executed, divided into opcode and operand.
Memory Address Register (MAR)
A register in a CPU that stores the memory address of the data or instruction that is to be accessed from memory. It plays a crucial role in the fetch and execute cycle of instructions.
Memory Data Register (MDR)
A register in a CPU that temporarily holds the data being transferred to or from memory. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and memory during data access. Sometimes known as the Memory Buffer Register.
Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
The process by which a CPU retrieves an instruction from memory, decodes it to understand what actions are required, and then executes the instruction to perform the desired operation.
Fetch Phase
In this phase, the CPU retrieves the next instruction to be executed by copying its address from the Program Counter (PC) to the Memory Address Register (MAR), fetching the instruction from memory into the Memory Data Register (MDR), and then transferring it to the Current Instruction Register (CIR) while updating the PC.
Decode Phase
The stage in the fetch-decode-execute cycle where the CPU interprets the retrieved instruction to determine the necessary actions to be performed. The instruction is split into opcode and operand to understand the operation and the data involved.
Execute Phase
The final stage of the fetch-decode-execute cycle where the CPU performs the actions specified by the decoded instruction, which may involve calculations, data transfer, or control operations.
Processor Performance
A measure of how efficiently a CPU executes instructions, typically evaluated based on factors such as clock speed, instructions per cycle, and overall throughput.
Clock Speed
The speed at which a processor executes instructions, typically measured in gigahertz (GHz). Higher clock speeds generally indicate better performance.
Number of Cores
The number of processing units within a CPU that can execute instructions simultaneously, allowing for improved multitasking and enhanced performance in parallel processing tasks.
Cache
A small amount of high-speed memory located within or close to the CPU, used to temporarily store frequently accessed data and instructions to improve processing speed.
Level 1 Cache
The first level of cache memory in a CPU, providing the fastest access to frequently used data and instructions for the processor, typically located directly on the chip.
Level 2 Cache
A type of cache memory that is larger than Level 1 cache but slower, typically located on the CPU chip, used to store frequently accessed data to enhance processing efficiency.
Level 3 Cache
The third level of cache memory in a CPU, which is larger and slower than Level 1 and Level 2 caches, but still faster than main memory. It serves as a shared cache for multiple processor cores, improving overall performance.
Pipelining
A technique used in CPU design that allows multiple instruction phases to be overlapped, improving overall instruction throughput and efficiency.
Von Neumann Architecture
A computer architecture model that describes a system where the CPU, memory, and input/output devices are interconnected, allowing for stored-program execution. It emphasizes the sequential processing of instructions and the use of a single memory space for both data and instructions.
Harvard Architecture
A computer architecture model that separates storage and handling of program instructions and data, allowing simultaneous access to both. This design enhances performance and efficiency in processing.
Uses of Harvard Architecture
Harvard architecture is used in applications requiring high performance, such as digital signal processing, embedded systems, and microcontrollers, where simultaneous access to instructions and data is crucial.
Embedded Systems
Specialized computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions within a larger system. They often integrate hardware and software to operate under specific constraints.
Contemporary Processor Architecture
Modern designs of computer processors that optimize performance, power efficiency, and scalability, incorporating features like multicore processing and advanced instruction sets.
CISC
A type of microprocessor architecture that uses a large set of instructions to execute complex tasks with fewer lines of assembly code. Each instruction may take multiple cycles to execute, making it suitable for high-level language programming.
RISC
A type of microprocessor architecture that uses a small, highly optimized set of instructions, allowing for faster execution of instructions and efficient use of the processor's capabilities. Each instruction typically takes one clock cycle enabling pipelining. They typically require more lines of assembly code to perform complex tasks.
Co-processor System
A supplementary processor that enhances the performance of the main CPU by handling specific tasks, such as graphics processing or mathematical computations, allowing for more efficient processing and multitasking.
Multi-core and parallel Systems
Computer architectures that contain multiple processing units (cores) within a single CPU, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple tasks or threads. This design enhances performance by allowing parallel execution of instructions, improving efficiency and speed.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
A specialized processor designed to accelerate the rendering of images and video, capable of handling complex graphical computations and often used in gaming, machine learning, and scientific simulations.
Input Device
A hardware component used to enter data and control signals into a computer system, enabling user interaction and data input for processing.
Barcode Reader
A device that scans and decodes barcodes, converting the visual information into digital data for processing in a computer system.
Barcode
A method of encoding data in a visual format that can be scanned and interpreted by devices like barcode readers, often used for inventory and product identification.
CCD Sensor
A type of image sensor used in barcode readers and cameras that converts light into electrical signals, enabling accurate image capture and data processing.
CMOS sensor
A type of image sensor used in cameras and other imaging devices, which converts light into electrical signals, known for low power consumption and high-speed performance.
RFID
A technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects, allowing for wireless data transfer and inventory management.
Pen-type reader
A handheld device used to scan barcodes by emitting light and capturing the reflected signal, often resembling a pen for ease of use.
Laser scanner
A device that uses laser beams to capture and digitize the information from barcodes or QR codes, providing accurate and fast data entry.
Camera-based reader
A scanning device that utilizes a camera to capture images of barcodes or QR codes and decode the information, enabling versatile data entry and processing.
Passive Tag
A type of RFID tag that does not have its own power source and relies on the reader's signal to activate and transmit data.
Active Tag
A type of RFID tag that has its own power source, allowing it to transmit signals over greater distances and store more information than passive tags.
Output Device
A hardware component that receives and presents data from a computer, such as monitors, printers, and speakers.
LCD Monitor
A flat-panel display technology that uses liquid crystals to produce images. It is commonly used in computers and televisions for its clarity and energy efficiency.
OLED screen
A type of flat-panel display technology that uses organic compounds to emit light when an electric current is applied, offering better contrast and color accuracy than traditional LCDs.
Laser Printer
A type of printer that uses a laser beam to produce high-quality text and images on paper, known for its speed and efficiency.
Inkjet Printer
A type of printer that uses tiny droplets of ink to produce images and text on paper, known for its affordability and versatility in printing quality.
Dot-matrix Printer
A type of printer that uses a matrix of small dots to create characters and images, known for its ability to print on multi-part forms and its durability.
3-D Printer
A type of printer that creates three-dimensional objects by layering materials based on digital models, known for its innovative applications in various industries.
Multimedia Projector
A device that projects visual content from a computer or other media onto a screen, commonly used in presentations and educational settings.
Speakers
Output devices that convert electrical signals into sound, commonly used for audio playback in computers and multimedia systems.
Actuators
Devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical motion, commonly used in robotics and automation.
Storage Device
A hardware component that stores digital data, allowing for the retrieval and use of information on computers and other devices.
Hard Disk
A data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital information using rotating disks coated with magnetic material.
Optical Disk
A storage medium that uses laser technology to read and write data, commonly found in CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
Solid State Disk (SSD)
A storage device that uses NAND flash memory cells to store data, providing faster access and improved durability compared to traditional hard disks.
RAM
(Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly, allowing for quick read and write operations. It temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs while performing tasks.
ROM
A type of non-volatile memory that retains data even when the power is turned off, commonly used to store firmware and system software.
Virtual Storage
A method of storing data that allows users to access and manage data across multiple physical devices as if it were a single storage resource, often used in cloud computing.
Virtual Memory
A memory management capability that uses hardware and software to allow a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage. This process enables a system to run larger applications and manage multiple tasks simultaneously by creating an illusion of a larger amount of RAM but slows down processing.
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