Structure of the Processor

• What is the basic organization of the CPU composed of?

  Memory Unit, Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit

  
• What is the function of the Memory Unit in the CPU?

  It stores data within the CPU
• What does the Control Unit do?

  It sends control signals and decodes instructions
• What operations does the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) perform?

  Arithmetic and logical operations
• How do buses connect the processor to Main Memory?

  Data Bus and Control Bus are two-way
• What is a register in the CPU?

  A location in the processor for specific purposes
• What is the purpose of the Program Counter (PC)?

  It holds the location of the next instruction
• What does the Memory Address Register (MAR) contain?

  The address the processor is currently accessing
• What is the function of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?

  It passes data entering or leaving the CPU
• How does the MDR interact with the MAR?

  Data from MAR is copied to MDR
• What is the Current Instruction Register (CIR)?

  It holds the instruction currently being processed
• What does the CIR do with the opcode?

  It holds the opcode while it is decoded
• What is the role of the Accumulator?

  It holds data being processed and intermediate results
• What is the purpose of the I/O Bus?

  It facilitates data transfer to and from peripheral devices
• What are the two broad categories of processor architecture?

  Von Neumann and Harvard architectures

  
• What is a feature of the Von Neumann Architecture?

  Single control unit and single ALU
• How does the Harvard Architecture differ from Von Neumann?

  Data and instructions are stored in separate memory units

  
• What are the features of RISC processors?

  Limited instructions and simple tasks
• What are the features of CISC processors?

  Complex instructions that may take multiple cycles
• What are the disadvantages of CISC processors?

  Higher cost and slower program execution
• Why might a RISC processor lead to increased battery life?

  It requires fewer transistors and less power
• What is an advantage of using a RISC processor?

  Costs less to design and produce
• How does the Fetch Execute Cycle utilize registers?

  PC holds address, passes to MAR, loads to MDR
• What is the role of multicore systems?

  Multiple processing units can work simultaneously
• What are high-end GPUs used for?

  Rendering models, running CAD software, calculations