Mastering Unit 1: Systems Architecture

Questions and Answers

What is the first step in the Fetch – Decode – Execute cycle?

Decode the instruction

Execute the instruction

Fetch the instruction (correct)

Store the instruction

Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?

Arithmetic Logic Unit (correct)

Cache

Program Counter

Control Unit

In which level of cache is data stored that is small but very fast?

Level 1 (correct)

Level 3

Secondary storage

Level 2

What does the Program Counter (PC) do in a CPU?

Holds the address of the next instruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

Holds the current instruction's address Signup and view all the answers

Which architecture uses the 'stored program' concept where both programs and data are stored in the same memory?

Von Neumann Architecture Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cache component of the CPU primarily store?

Frequently used instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which register temporarily holds the result of an instruction before it is transferred to memory?

Accumulator Signup and view all the answers

What defines one complete instruction processing cycle in the CPU?

Fetch – Decode – Execute Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cache levels is INCORRECT?

Level 3 is faster than Level 2. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer System Overview

A computer system consists of three primary components: Input Devices, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Output Devices.
Secondary Storage complements the main memory in holding data and instructions.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU processes instructions critical for computer operations.
Utilizes the Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycle for instruction processing, repeating for each instruction executed.

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

Fetch: The CPU retrieves an instruction from memory.
Decode: The instruction is analyzed to determine what action is needed.
Execute: The instruction is performed by the CPU.
Each instruction requires one complete cycle.

CPU Components

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic and logical operations.
Control Unit (CU): Directs operations within the CPU and manages instruction flow.
Cache Memory: A high-speed memory storing frequently accessed instructions, categorized into three levels:
- Level 1: Smallest and fastest, located inside the CPU.
- Level 2: Medium size, with moderate speed.
- Level 3: Largest, but slower, positioned between RAM and CPU.

Registers in CPU

Fastest type of memory within the CPU for temporary data storage.
Program Counter (PC): Tracks the address of the next instruction, incrementing each cycle.
Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds the address of the current instruction being fetched.
Memory Data Register (MDR): Contains the actual data of the fetched instruction.
Accumulator: Temporarily holds results from operations before they are stored in memory.

Von Neumann Architecture

Based on the concept of a "stored program", where programs and data are kept in the same memory space, allowing efficient data processing.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computer systems architecture, particularly focusing on Unit 1. Participants will explore the components such as CPU, main memory, input/output devices, and secondary storage. Master your understanding of how these elements interact in a computer system.