AS Level Chapter 4: Processor fundamentals

computer architecture which introduced the concept of the stored program in the 1940s.

• Von Neumann architecture
• Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• Microprocessor

• Central processing unit

component in the processor which carries out all arithmetic and logical operations.

• Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• Von Neumann architecture
• Control unit

• System clock

Component of a CPU which ensures the synchronisation of data flow and programs throughout the computer by sending out signals to various components.

• Control unit
• Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• Von Neumann architecture
• Immediate access store (IAS)

It produces timing signals on the control bus to ensure synchronisation takes place.

• System clock
• Control unit
• Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• Von Neumann architecture

it holds all data and programs needed to be accessed by the control unit.

• Immediate access store (IAS)
• System clock
• Control unit
• Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

temporary general purpose register which stores numerical values at any part of a given operation.

• Accumulator
• Immediate access store (IAS)
• System clock
• Control unit

temporary component in the processor which can be general or specific in its use that holds data or instructions as part of the fetch-execute cycle.

• Register
• Accumulator
• Immediate access store (IAS)
• System clock

It is used to store a flag when an instruction requires some form of arithmetic or logical processing.

• Status register
• Register
• Accumulator
• Immediate access store (IAS)

It indicates the status of a bit in the status register, for example, N = 1 indicates the result of an addition gives a negative value.

• Flag
• Status register
• Register
• Accumulator

carries the addresses throughout the computer system.

• Address bus
• Data bus

• Control bus

• Register