1.1 GCSE Systems Architecture

What is the CPU’s purpose?

• To carry out program instructions
• To store data
• To compile program code
• To output data to the user

What are the main characteristics of a Von Neumann CPU?

• External storage, programs and data in shared memory
• Heat management through heatsinks and fans
• Communicating with input and output devices
• External and internal cache

What is the difference between Harvard and Von Neumann?

• Harvard has separate stores for data and memory, VN does not
• Processing capacity; VN is faster
• VN has separate stores for data and memory, Harvard does not
• Processing capacity; Harvard is faster

What does the MAR do?

• Stores the data retrieved from memory
• Stores the address of the memory location to access
• Stores the address of the next instruction
• Stores the results of arthimetic and logical operations

What does the MDR do?

• Stores the data retrieved from memory
• Stores the address of the memory location to access
• Stores the address of the next instruction
• Stores the results of arthimetic and logical operations

What does the Program Counter do?

• Stores the data retrieved from memory
• Stores the address of the memory location to access
• Stores the address of the next instruction
• Stores the results of arthimetic and logical operations

What does the Accumulator do?

• Stores the data retrieved from memory
• Stores the address of the memory location to access
• Stores the address of the next instruction
• Stores the results of arthimetic and logical operations

What does the ALU do?

• Performs Arithmetic and Logical operations
• Decodes and directs instructions to be carried out
• Stores frequently used data and instructions
• Processes graphical functions

What does the CU do?

• Performs Arithmetic and Logical operations
• Decodes and directs instructions to be carried out
• Stores frequently used data and instructions
• Processes graphical functions

What is the purpose of Cache?

• Performs Arithmetic and Logical operations
• Decodes and directs instructions to be carried out
• Stores frequently used data and instructions
• Processes graphical functions