Computer Architecture Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within the CPU?

Performing mathematical calculations and logical decisions (correct)

Storing temporary data

Managing communication between CPU and memory

Directing the flow of instructions

Which component of the CPU is responsible for directing the flow of instructions and data?

Control Unit (correct)

Cache Memory

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Data Bus

What is the purpose of registers in the CPU?

To execute binary calculations

To store long-term data

To control the CPU clock speed

To provide fast access to temporary data (correct)

Which of the following best describes the function of the cache in a CPU?

It speeds up data access by storing frequently used information Signup and view all the answers

What role do buses play in the CPU architecture?

They facilitate communication between different components Signup and view all the answers

How does clock speed influence CPU performance?

It affects the number of instructions executed per second Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the CPU?

Graphic Processing Unit Signup and view all the answers

What do the address lines in the CPU primarily facilitate?

Identifying memory storage locations Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of the Von Neumann architecture?

It has a simple and logical structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the Von Neumann architecture?

It has a 'one size fits all' approach to memory access. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Harvard architecture compared to Von Neumann?

It uses separate address and data buses for different memory areas. Signup and view all the answers

One key advantage of the Harvard architecture is its ability to ______.

Allow for different sizes of address and data buses. Signup and view all the answers

The efficiency of the Von Neumann architecture is hindered because ______.

Data memory is never accessible while program memory is in use. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does Harvard architecture reinforce?

A clear distinction between program and data memory. Signup and view all the answers

One disadvantage commonly associated with the Harvard architecture is its ______.

Complexity of the bus structure. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of memory organization, Von Neumann architecture is characterized by ______.

Identical bus sizes across memory types. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Organising Memory

Von Neumann architecture uses a single address and data bus for both program and data memory.
Von Neumann architecture offers simplicity, logic, flexibility, and the ability to divide memory between program and data.
Disadvantages of the Von Neumann architecture include a one-size-fits-all approach, which might not be ideal for varying data and program sizes. It also suffers from data and program memory access conflict due to shared resources.
The Harvard architecture uses separate address and data buses for program and data memory.
The Harvard architecture benefits from greater flexibility in bus size, allowing different sizes for program and data memory. It also enables simultaneous access to both data and program memory.
The Harvard architecture's disadvantages include increased complexity and reinforcement of the program and data memory distinction even when not necessary.

Von Neumann Architecture

The Von Neumann architecture is named after its inventor, John Von Neumann.
The architecture features a single address and data bus for both program and data memory.
It offers a simpler and more logical approach to memory organization.
The flexibility allows for dividing the addressable memory area between program and data memory as needed.

Harvard Architecture

The Harvard architecture differentiates program and data memory by providing separate address and data buses for each.
It allows for greater flexibility in bus size, accommodating varying needs for program and data memory.
It enables simultaneous access to both program and data memory.
The architecture is more complex than the Von Neumann architecture.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions.
It consists of several components:
- Register Set: Special memory locations for fast access.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes logical decisions and mathematical calculations on binary numbers
- Control Unit (CU): Directs the flow of instructions and data within the CPU.
Other components include:
- Cache: A smaller but faster memory to store frequently used data for quicker access.
- Buses: System bus, external bus, internal data bus.
- Clock: Controls the timing of operations within the CPU.
- Address Lines: Determine the location of data or instructions in memory.
- Flags: Indicate the status of operations/calculations.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of computer architecture, focusing on the Von Neumann and Harvard models. Participants will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each architecture, including their memory organization techniques. Test your knowledge on how these architectures impact program and data memory access.