6.4 Computer architecture

• The main components of a computer architecture include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, storage, and input/output devices
• The CPU can only retrieve data from memory but not from storage.

  False
• Steps in understanding the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

  1️⃣ Examine instruction formats

  2️⃣ Identify supported data types

  3️⃣ Analyze addressing modes
• Fixed-length instruction formats use consistent size, which simplifies decoding
• The Instruction Set Architecture supports data types of fixed sizes only.

  False
• Match each addressing mode with its description:

  Direct Addressing ↔️ Access memory location directly

  Register Addressing ↔️ Access data in a register

  Indirect Addressing ↔️ Access memory location through another memory location

  Indexed Addressing ↔️ Access memory location using an index
• What are the three main components of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

  ALU, CU, Registers
• The Control Unit (CU) generates control signals based on the instruction being executed
• Registers within the CPU store data temporarily to improve processing speed.
• Match each CPU component with its role and function:

  ALU ↔️ Performs arithmetic and logical operations

  CU ↔️ Manages instruction execution

  Registers ↔️ Stores temporary data
• What is the purpose of the memory hierarchy in a computer system?

  Optimize storage and performance
• The fastest level in the memory hierarchy is the cache
• Access time in the memory hierarchy is directly proportional to cache capacity.

  False
• Match each level of the memory hierarchy with its properties:

  Cache ↔️ Fastest, highest cost, smallest capacity

  RAM ↔️ Fast, high cost, medium capacity

  Secondary Storage ↔️ Slow, low cost, largest capacity
• Which input/output devices allow users to interact with the computer?

  Keyboard, mouse, display
• The Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) defines the instructions the CPU can execute and the methods for addressing memory locations.
• What is the primary function of the CPU?

  Executes instructions
• Memory provides fast access to frequently used data
• Storage retains information even when the computer is off.
• Match the device with its primary function:

  CPU ↔️ Executes instructions

  Memory ↔️ Stores data temporarily

  Storage ↔️ Stores data permanently
• The ISA defines the instructions the CPU can execute
• Fixed-length instruction formats have limited instruction flexibility.
• What is a disadvantage of variable-length instruction formats?

  Complex decoding
• Examples of data types include integers, floating-point numbers, and characters
• Order the following addressing modes from simplest to most complex:

  1️⃣ Direct addressing

  2️⃣ Register addressing

  3️⃣ Indirect addressing

  4️⃣ Indexed addressing
• What is the primary function of the ALU?

  Performs calculations
• The control unit generates control signals based on the instruction being executed.
• Which CPU component stores data temporarily?

  Registers
• The memory hierarchy is organized based on speed, cost, and capacity.
• Match the memory level with its characteristics:

  Cache ↔️ Fastest, highest cost, smallest capacity

  RAM ↔️ Fast, high cost, medium capacity

  Secondary Storage ↔️ Slow, low cost, largest capacity
• What is the relationship between access time and cache capacity?

  Inversely proportional
• Input/output devices are also known as peripheral
• Keyboards and mice are examples of input devices.
• What type of interface do input devices commonly use to connect to computers?

  USB
• A bus system uses parallel wires to transfer data and signals
• Match the bus component with its function:

  Address Bus ↔️ Specifies memory location

  Data Bus ↔️ Transfers data packets

  Control Bus ↔️ Manages data flow
• The control bus manages the flow of data within the bus system.