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1.1.1 - Architecture of the CPU

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Total cards: 12•Content version: v4•Public deck•Updated: 8/1/2026

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#1
Front (Question)

What is the purpose of a CPU?

Back (Answer)

A Central Processing Unit (aka processor) has the purpose of fetch, decode and execute instructions.

#2
Front (Question)

What happens at each stage of the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?

Back (Answer)

Fetch - Instruction is fetched from main memory (RAM) Decode - Instruction is decoded, to figure out what needs to be done. Execute - Instruction is performed and carried out. mark scheme bits: * Data/instructions are fetched from memory/RAM/primary storage * Data/instructions are stored using the registers // correct example of a register storing address/data * Data/instructions are decoded // Data/instructions are split into opcode and operand * Data/instructions are executed/processed * ALU performs the logical/arithmetic calculations

#3
Front (Question)

What does the CPU consist of?

Back (Answer)

Control Unit (CU), Cache, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Registers.

#4
Front (Question)

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Back (Answer)

Responsible for carrying out arithmetic calculations and making logical decisions.

#5
Front (Question)

Control Unit (CU)

Back (Answer)

Sends signals to control how much data moves around the CPU.

#6
Front (Question)

Cache

Back (Answer)

Small of very fast memory which provides fast access to frequently used data and instructions. GREATER THE CACHE SIZE: data is transferred faster which makes a CPU more efficient, it is faster to transfer to and from cache than transferring to and from RAM.

#7
Front (Question)

Registers

Back (Answer)

Tiny, super fast pieces of onboard memory inside the CPU, where each has a very specific purpose.

#8
Front (Question)

What are the 4 main registers in the Von Neumann architecture?

Back (Answer)

MAR (Memory Address Register), MDR (Memory Data Register), Program Counter (PC), Accumulator.

#9
Front (Question)

MAR (Memory Address Register)

Back (Answer)

Stores the address of where data is to be fetched from or stored to.

#10
Front (Question)

MDR (Memory Data Register)

Back (Answer)

Stores any data fetched from memory, or is about to be written/stored to memory.

#11
Front (Question)

Program Counter (PC)

Back (Answer)

Stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched in memory. Is then incremented by one each time.

#12
Front (Question)

Accumulator (ACC)

Back (Answer)

Stores the result of calculations.