Contains all relevant notes for the Cambridge International GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 on Von-Neumann Architecture, Fetch-Execute, parts of the CPU and Registers/Buses.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A microprocessor is a single integrated circuit that performs multiple functions — a
CPU is an example.
The CPU controls the hardware and processes data & executes all programs.
Parts of the CPU
The Control Unit:
Ensures the instructions are
executed in the right sequence
Controls the rate at which
instructions are executed using a
system clock.
Decodes program instructions into
CPU operations.
Sends and receives control signals
from other components.
The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
Performs:
Addition, Subtraction, Division and Multiplication
Logical bitwise operations: AND, OR, NOT, etc.
Comparisons using relational operators.
Binary Shifts.
Registers:
Registers are small areas of computer memory inside the CPU, which provide
extremely fast access.
They are used by the ALU to store data and results of the current instruction.
Some key registers include:
Program Counter (PC)
Stores the RAM address of the next instruction.
Theory 5 - Computer Architecture 2
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