the CPU

• The CPU stands for central processing unit
• the purpose of the cpu is to fetch decode and execute instructions
• fetch = fetching the next instruction from the main memory (RAM) and brings back the instructions to the CPU
• decode = inspect the instruction and work out what it needs to do
• Execute = carrying out the instruction
• ALU - Arithmetic logic unit
• CU - control unit - sends signals on how to control the data moves around the CPU
• Cache - provides fast access to frequently used data and instructions
• Registers - tiny super fast pieces of onboard memory inside the CPU each with a specific purpose
• The Von Neumann architecture consists of a Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), Memory Unit, Inputs and Outputs
• the register; program counter (PC) holds the address of the next instruction in memory
• memory address register (MAR) holds the address of where data is to be fetched or stored
• Memory Data Register (MDR) holds the data fetched from, or to be written to memory
• Accumulator - holds the results of calculations