Unit 4: Processor Fundamentals Keyterms

Front

Von Neumann architecture

Back

Computer architecture introducing the concept of the stored program in the 1940s.

Front

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

Back

Component in the processor carrying out all arithmetic and logical operations.

Front

Control unit

Back

Ensures synchronization of data flow and programs by sending control signals along the control bus.

Front

System clock

Back

Produces timing signals on the control bus for synchronization.

Front

Immediate access store (IAS)

Back

Holds data and programs needed to be accessed by the control unit.

Front

Accumulator

Back

Temporary general-purpose register storing numerical values during operations.

Front

Register

Back

Temporary component in the processor holding data or instructions during the fetch-execute cycle.

Front

Status register

Back

Used for instructions requiring arithmetic or logical processing.

Front

Flag

Back

Indicates the status of a bit in the status register, e.g., N = 1 for a negative result in addition.

Front

Address bus

Back

Carries addresses throughout the computer system.