Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the CPU?
The purpose of the CPU is to process data, where searching, sorting, calculating, and decision-making takes place.
What are the three steps in the fetch, decode, execute cycle?
Fetch, decode, execute.
What are the main jobs of the control unit?
It controls hardware, monitors commands from software, controls input/output of data, and manages the fetch-execute cycle.
What does the immediate access store (IAS) do?
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What are the two parts of the arithmetic and logic unit?
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How is clock speed measured?
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What does a dual-core device indicate?
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Study Notes
Purpose of the CPU
- Central Processing Unit (CPU) processes data, handling searching, sorting, calculating, and decision-making.
- Acts as the brain of the computer performing essential functions.
Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle
- Fetch: CPU retrieves instructions from main memory using the address bus and brings them to registers via the data bus.
- Decode: CPU interprets instructions using its unique instruction set, preparing for execution.
- Execute: Actual processing occurs; the instruction is carried out, and results are stored in registers, ready for the next cycle.
The Control Unit
- Oversees hardware operations, ensuring commands from application software are executed correctly.
- Manages input and output data flow, ensuring signals reach the correct destinations timely.
- Regulates the Fetch-Execute cycle within the CPU.
Immediate Access Store (IAS)
- Temporarily holds data and programs currently needed by the Control Unit.
- Loads data from slower backing storage into main memory for quicker access by the CPU.
- Supports the Fetch-Execute cycle by providing immediate data availability.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
- Responsible for data processing through manipulation and logical operations.
- Arithmetic part: Performs calculations (e.g., addition).
- Logic part: Handles logical operations and comparisons (e.g., value comparisons).
Clock Speed
- Controls the CPU's data processing rate through a quartz clock, executing one instruction per clock tick.
- Measured in cycles per second, with 1 Hz representing one cycle; 1 GHz equals one billion cycles.
- Modern CPUs typically operate at speeds around 3 GHz, processing vast amounts of data rapidly.
Number of Cores
- Multiple CPUs (or "cores") can enhance performance, although not all applications utilize them effectively.
- A dual-core processor contains two CPUs, while a quad-core has four, leading to noticeable performance improvements.
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Description
This quiz consists of flashcards focused on the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. It covers the purpose of the CPU and explains key processes involved in its operation, such as the fetch, decode, execute cycle. Test your knowledge and understanding of how CPUs function in computer systems.
