Scribd
Upload
23 views4 pages

CPU Architecture Part 1

Uploaded by

NataliaRzonsowska
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
23 views4 pages

CPU Architecture Part 1

Uploaded by

NataliaRzonsowska
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

CPU Architecture

Warm-up Exercise: Background Knowledge Check on Von Neumann


Architecture

Multiple Choice Questions


Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. What is the main feature of the Von Neumann architecture?


A. Computers can only store data, not programs.
B. Data and programs can be stored in memory and executed sequentially.
C. There is no central processing unit (CPU).
D. The processor cannot access memory.
2. Which of the following is NOT a part of the Von Neumann architecture?
A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
B. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
C. Random Access Memory (RAM)
D. Network Interface Card (NIC)
3. What is the role of the Control Unit (CU) in the Von Neumann architecture?
A. To store data in memory.
B. To perform arithmetic and logic operations.
C. To decode and execute instructions and synchronize the system.
D. To connect to external devices.

True or False Questions


Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
4. The Von Neumann model allows the computer to store both data and instructions in the
same memory.
5. The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible for executing instructions in a
sequence.
6. The Immediate Access Store (IAS) refers to primary memory like RAM, which holds data
for the CPU.
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions briefly.
7. What is the purpose of the system clock in the Von Neumann architecture?
8. What is the function of the Program Counter (PC)?
9. What does the term "register" refer to in the context of Von Neumann architecture?

Vocabulary practice

Write the correct number from the vocabulary list next to each definition.

A. A component of the processor responsible for


1. CPU (Central Processing Unit) performing arithmetic and logic operations like addition,
2. ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) subtraction, and logical comparisons.
B. A register that temporarily holds the address of the
3. Memory Address Register (MAR)
memory location currently being accessed by the CPU.
4. Program Counter (PC) C. A temporary storage area in the CPU where data is held
5. Control Unit (CU) while it is being processed.
D. A component that decodes instructions and coordinates
6. Immediate Access Store (IAS)
the overall operation of the computer by sending signals to
7. Register other parts of the system.
8. Status Register (SR) E. A system of pathways that allows data and instructions
9. Bus to be transferred between the CPU, memory, and other
components of the computer.
10. Accumulator (ACC) F. A register that holds the address of the next instruction
to be executed.
G. A register that stores the results of arithmetic or logical
operations performed by the ALU.
H. A temporary storage area in the CPU used to hold data
and instructions that need to be accessed quickly. Often
referred to as primary memory.
I. A register that holds bits indicating the result of an
arithmetic or logic operation (e.g., carry, negative,
overflow, zero flags).
J. The unit responsible for executing instructions and
carrying out calculations; it is the "brain" of the computer.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Reading Exercise: Understanding Von Neumann Architecture

Early computers were fed data while the machines were running. It was not possible to
store programs or data, meaning the computers could not operate without considerable human
intervention.
In the mid-1940s, John Von Neumann developed the concept of the stored program
computer. This model has been the foundation of computer architecture for many years. The
main features of the Von Neumann architecture include:
 A Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor
 A processor able to access memory directly
 Memory capable of storing both programs and data
 Stored programs made up of instructions that can be executed in sequential order
The CPU consists of several components, including the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU),
the Control Unit (CU), and the System Clock. The ALU performs arithmetic and logic
operations, while the CU decodes and executes instructions from memory. The system clock
ensures synchronization between components to maintain the proper sequence of operations.
The Immediate Access Store (IAS) holds data and programs that the CPU needs to access
quickly. The CPU transfers data and programs from the backing store (secondary storage) into
the IAS temporarily, as reading from the IAS is much faster than accessing the backing store.
An important part of the Von Neumann architecture is the use of registers, which are
small, fast storage locations inside the CPU. Registers can be general-purpose or special-
purpose. For example, the Program Counter (PC) holds the address of the next instruction to
be executed, and the Memory Address Register (MAR) stores the address of the memory
location currently being accessed.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main feature of the Von Neumann architecture?


A. Computers can only store data, not programs.
B. Data and programs can be stored in the same memory and executed in sequence.
C. The processor cannot access memory.
D. The control unit does not interact with the arithmetic logic unit.
2. Which of the following is NOT a part of the Von Neumann architecture?
A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
B. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
C. Random Access Memory (RAM)
D. Network Interface Card (NIC)
3. What is the role of the System Clock in the Von Neumann architecture?
A. It stores the programs and data in memory.
B. It controls the sequence of operations and ensures synchronization of components.
C. It decodes the instructions stored in memory.
D. It performs arithmetic and logic operations.

True or False Questions

4. The Von Neumann architecture allows the CPU to store programs and data in the same
memory.
5. The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible for decoding instructions from
memory.
6. The Immediate Access Store (IAS) is faster than the backing store for data retrieval.

Short Answer Questions


7. What is the purpose of the Program Counter (PC) in the Von Neumann architecture?
8. How does the use of registers benefit the CPU in the Von Neumann model?
9. Why is the System Clock necessary in the Von Neumann architecture?

Homework
Describe how the Von Neumann architecture facilitates data processing within a CPU.
Include in your explanation the roles of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU),
various registers and the system buses.

You might also like