WJEC Computer Science GCSE Hardware - Architecture

Which of the following statements correctly differentiates the Von Neumann architecture from the Harvard architecture?

• Von Neumann architecture uses separate memory for instructions and data, while Harvard architecture uses a single memory for both.

• Von Neumann architecture uses a single memory for instructions and data, while Harvard architecture uses separate memories for instructions and data.

• Both architectures use separate memories for instructions and data.

• Both architectures use a single memory for instructions and data.

In the fetch-decode-execute cycle, what is the role of the Programme Counter (PC)?

• It holds the instruction that has just been fetched from memory.

• It keeps track of the memory address of the instruction that is to be executed next.

• It performs arithmetic and logical operations.

• It decodes the programme instruction.

Which register temporarily holds the instruction that has just been fetched from memory?

• Program Counter (PC)

• Memory Address Register (MAR)

• Current Instruction Register (CIR)

• Control Unit (CU)

Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing mathematical and logical operations?

• Control Unit (CU)

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• Memory Address Register (MAR)

• Current Instruction Register (CIR)

What is the primary function of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?

• It performs arithmetic and logical operations.

• It decodes programme instructions and coordinates the activation of machine resources.

• It stores the address of the next instruction to be executed.

• It temporarily holds the fetched instruction.

How does increasing the cache size affect CPU performance?

• It decreases the hit rate and slows down performance.

• It improves performance by providing instructions and data to the CPU at a faster rate.

• It has no impact on CPU performance.

• It increases the power consumption without affecting performance.

What is one potential drawback of increasing the clock speed of a CPU?

• It decreases the fetch-decode-execute cycle speed.

• It reduces the power requirements.

• It can create greater requirements for heat dissipation.

• It has no impact on battery life.

How does the number of cores in a CPU affect its performance?

• More cores always mean better performance without any drawbacks.

• More cores can process multiple instructions simultaneously, but performance may be affected if one core is waiting on the result of another.

• More cores decrease the processor cost.

• More cores reduce the clock speed.

During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, how does the Control Unit (CU) interact with the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

• The CU fetches the instruction and directly executes it, bypassing the ALU.

• The CU decodes the instruction and activates the ALU to perform the required operations.

• The CU performs all arithmetic and logical operations without involving the ALU.

• The CU holds the instruction temporarily while the ALU fetches the next instruction.

Which register keeps track of the memory address of the instruction that is to be executed next?

• Programme Counter (PC)

• Memory Address Register (MAR)

• Current Instruction Register (CIR)

• Control Unit (CU)