Exploring Computer Architecture

What are the main components of CPU architecture?

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), Registers

• Cache Memory Unit (CMU)

• Input/Output Interface (IO)

• Memory Management Unit (MMU)

Explain the difference between RISC and CISC architectures.

• RISC uses a larger set of complex instructions for faster execution, while CISC uses a small set of simple instructions for more functionality.

• CISC is designed for mobile devices, while RISC is used in desktop computers.

• RISC and CISC are both types of software programming languages.

• RISC uses a small set of simple instructions for faster execution, while CISC uses a larger set of complex instructions for more functionality.

What role does the ALU play in the CPU?

• The ALU manages input and output devices.

• The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations in the CPU.

• The ALU stores data in memory.

• The ALU controls the flow of data between CPU components.

Describe the concept of cache memory in the memory hierarchy.

• Cache memory is a slow storage medium that holds all data permanently.

• Cache memory is used exclusively for graphics processing.

• Cache memory is a high-speed storage layer in the memory hierarchy that stores frequently accessed data to speed up CPU operations.

• Cache memory is a type of permanent storage for data.

What is the purpose of virtual memory?

• To increase the speed of the CPU by providing faster access to data.

• The purpose of virtual memory is to extend the available memory of a system by using disk space to simulate additional RAM.

• To store all the data permanently on the hard drive.

• To eliminate the need for physical RAM in a computer system.

How does the memory hierarchy improve system performance?

• The memory hierarchy increases access time by using slower memory for all data.

• The memory hierarchy reduces access time and increases throughput by using faster memory for frequently accessed data.

• The memory hierarchy has no impact on system performance.

• The memory hierarchy only stores data temporarily without improving speed.

What is the function of the control unit in a CPU?

• The control unit directs the operation of the CPU by managing instruction execution and coordinating data flow.

• The control unit generates power for the CPU's operations.

• The control unit performs arithmetic calculations directly.

• The control unit stores data temporarily for quick access.

Explain the data path in a computer system.

• The data path is only concerned with CPU operations.

• The data path is a software component that manages applications.

• Data paths do not involve memory or I/O devices.

• The data path in a computer system is the route data takes between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices, facilitated by buses.

What are the different types of registers in a CPU?

• The different types of registers in a CPU include: 1. General Purpose Registers (GPRs), 2. Special Purpose Registers (SPRs), 3. Accumulator, 4. Instruction Register (IR), 5. Program Counter (PC), 6. Stack Pointer (SP), 7. Status Register (Flags).

• Cache Register (CR)

• Data Buffer Register (DBR)

• Memory Address Register (MAR)

How does pipelining enhance CPU performance?

• Pipelining increases the size of the CPU cache.

• Pipelining reduces the number of instructions executed per cycle.

• Pipelining increases instruction throughput by overlapping the execution of multiple instructions.

• Pipelining eliminates the need for instruction decoding.