CAIE IGCSE Computer Science 3.1 Computer Architecture

Which of the following is the primary role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer?

• To store data and instructions permanently.

• To execute instructions and process data.

• To manage the flow of data between peripherals.

• To display information to the user.

What is another term commonly used to refer to a CPU that is contained on a single integrated circuit?

• System unit

• Motherboard

• Microprocessor

• Logic gate

In a computer with a Von Neumann architecture, which component is responsible for fetching instructions?

• Control Unit (CU)

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• Memory Data Register (MDR)

• Memory Address Register (MAR)

Which register within the CPU holds the memory location of the next instruction to be fetched?

• Memory Data Register (MDR)

• Program Counter (PC)

• Current Instruction Register (CIR)

• Accumulator (ACC)

The Memory Address Register (MAR) within the CPU holds:

• The data being transferred to or from memory.

• The instruction that is currently being executed.

• The address in memory that is being accessed.

• The result of an arithmetic or logical operation.

The Memory Data Register (MDR) within the CPU holds:

• The address in memory that is being accessed.

• The instruction that is currently being executed.

• The data being transferred to or from memory.

• The memory location of the next instruction to be fetched.

Which component within the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?

• Control Unit (CU)

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• Program Counter (PC)

• Current Instruction Register (CIR)

Once an instruction is fetched, it is held in which register within the CPU?

• Program Counter (PC)

• Memory Data Register (MDR)

• Current Instruction Register (CIR)

• Accumulator (ACC)

The Control Unit (CU) within the CPU is primarily responsible for:

• Performing calculations and comparisons.

• Sending control signals to other components.

• Storing the results of operations.

• Holding the address of the next instruction.

Which of the following best describes the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

• A continuous loop of inputting, processing, and outputting data.

• The fundamental operational cycle of a CPU.

• The process of converting high-level code to machine code.

• The way in which data is stored and retrieved from memory.