architecture of the cpu

• accumulator:

  • a register in the cpu
  • holds the result of calculations
  • used to hold the data currently being processed by the central processor
• alu:

  • arithmetic logic unit
  • the part of the cpu where data is processed and manipulated
  • performs calculations
  • handles logical comparisons allowing a program to make decisions
  • handles bit shifting
• cache:

  • memory inside the processor providing fast access
  • frequently used data and instructions
• control unit:

  • decodes instructions
  • sends signals to control how data moves around the cpu
• cpu:

  • central processing unit
  • decodes and executes instructions
• fde cycle:

  • fetch - decode - execute
  • the complete process of retrieving an instruction from store, decoding it and carrying it out
• mar:

  • memory address register
  • holds the address of the memory location currently being accessed
  • small memory location inside the cpu to assist with the fde cycle
• mdr:

  • memory data register
  • holds the data fetched from or to be written to memory
  • small memory location in the cpu to assist with the fde cycle
• program counter:

  • holds the address of the next instruction
  • small memory location in the cpu to assist with the fde cycle
• register:

  • tiny areas of extremely fast memory located in the cpu
  • designed for a specific purpose, where data or control information is stored temporarily
  • to enable the fde cycle to operate
• von neumann architecture:

  • instructions and data share the same memory space
  • instructions are fetched, decoded, and executed one at a time