Questions and Answers
What does the von Neumann bottleneck refer to?
The restriction in data transfer speed between the CPU and memory
Which component of the von Neumann architecture is responsible for handling processor control signals?
Control Unit
What is the main function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?
Handling calculations like addition, subtraction, and logical operations
Which component of a CPU architecture stores the results of calculations made by the ALU?
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What is not one of the three basic units of an ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) computer?
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Which part of a von Neumann architecture computer handles all processor control signals?
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Which register holds the intermediate arithmetic and logic results?
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What is the primary function of the Program Counter (PC)?
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Which register stores the memory locations of instructions that need to be fetched or stored in memory?
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What is the primary function of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?
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Which register stores the most recently fetched instruction while it is waiting to be coded and executed?
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What is the primary function of the Instruction Buffer Register (IBR)?
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What was the key advancement in the fourth generation of microprocessors?
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What determines the classification of a microprocessor as a 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit processor?
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Which of the following is an example of a 16-bit microprocessor?
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What is the primary function of a chipset in a computer motherboard?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the third generation of microprocessors?
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What is the primary advantage of 64-bit processors over 32-bit processors?
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Study Notes
Von Neumann Architecture
- A design architecture for an electronic digital computer consisting of a processing unit, control unit, memory, external mass storage, input, and output mechanisms.
- Also known as ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) computer, comprising three basic units: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Main Memory Unit, and Input/Output Device.
ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) Components
- Control Unit: handles all processor control signals, directs input and output flow, fetches code for instructions, and controls data movement.
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): performs calculations, logical operations, bit shifting operations, and arithmetic operations.
- Registers: high-speed storage areas in the CPU, including:
- Accumulator: stores results of calculations made by ALU.
- Program Counter (PC): keeps track of the memory location of the next instructions to be dealt with.
- Memory Address Register (MAR): stores memory locations of instructions to be fetched from or stored in memory.
- Memory Data Register (MDR): stores instructions fetched from memory or data to be transferred to or from memory.
- Current Instruction Register (CIR): stores the most recently fetched instruction while waiting to be coded and executed.
- Instruction Buffer Register (IBR): stores instructions not to be executed immediately.
Buses
- Data Bus: transmits data among the memory unit, I/O devices, and processor.
- Address Bus: transmits the address of data between memory and processor.
Evolution of Intel Microprocessors
- First generation (1939-1954): Vacuum tubes
- Second generation (1954-1959): Transistors
- Third generation (1959-1971): Transistors and IC
- Fourth generation (1971-Present): Microprocessor
Microprocessor Evolution
- Identified by the word size of data
- Types of microprocessors:
- 4-Bit Processors: Intel 4004, Intel 4040
- 8-Bit Processors: 8008, 8080, 8085, Motorola 6800 (M6800)
- 16-Bit Processors: 8086, 8088, Zilog 2800, 80186, 80286
- 32-Bit Processors: Intel 80386, 80387, 80486, Intel Pentium, Intel Pentium Pro, Intel Pentium II, Intel Pentium III, Intel Pentium IV, Intel Dual Core
- 64-Bit Processors: Intel Core 2, Intel Core I7, Intel Core I5, Intel Core I3
Chipset
- One of the most important components on the motherboard
- Originally had many different chips scattered all over the motherboard for different functions
- Now, chipsets integrate these functions into a single chip
