System Architecture

System Architecture

1. Von Neumann

   • The data and instructions are both stored in the computer's memory
   • All data is stored in binary digets
   • This refers to a logical structure,

2. Registers

   • Accumulator
     • The accumulator stores the results of any calculations made by the ALU.
   • MAR
     • The Memory Address Register
     • The MAR stores the location for data currently being executed.
   • MDR
     • Memory Data Register
     • The data that has been fetched from or is waiting to be sent to memory.
   • PC
     • Program Counter
     • The register that contains the location of the next instruction needing to be executed.

3. CPU Components

   • ALU
     • Arithmatic Logic Unit
       • This carries out all mathematic and logical calculations.
   • Control Unit
     • The control unit works with the CPU to control the flow of data and instructions
   • Cache
     • The cache is a small high speed memory in the CPU that stores data from applications that are currently running.

4. FDE Cycle

   • First, the data is fetched from the RAM
   • The computer decodes the instruction.
   • The computer executes (completes) the task.

5. Performance

   • Clock Speed
     • The clock speed is how many FDE cycles the CPU can compleate per second.
       • So, the higher the clock speed, the faster the CPU.
     • It is measured in Heartz (Hz)
   • Cores
     • Each core can complete one FDE cycle at a time so the more cores you heve, the more instructions can be processed at once and the more efficient your computer is.
   • Cache size
     • The bigger the cache, the more programs can run at once, so the faster your CPU is.