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Computers

Von Neumann architecture and the fetch-decode-execute cycle

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

The stored program concept, main memory, the control unit, ALU, registers and clock, the address, data and control buses, and each stage of the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What do the data bus and the control bus each carry?

Key term

What is the von Neumann stored program concept?

Key term

What is the role of main memory (RAM) in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is the von Neumann stored program concept?

    Model answer

    Program instructions and the data they use are stored together in the same main memory. The CPU fetches both from memory as it needs them.

  2. 2

    What is the role of main memory (RAM) in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

    Model answer

    RAM holds the instructions and data of the programs currently running. The CPU fetches each instruction from its address in RAM.

  3. 3

    Why is RAM described as volatile?

    Model answer

    RAM loses its contents when the power is switched off. Any work not saved to secondary storage is lost.

  4. 4

    What does the control unit do?

    Model answer

    The control unit manages the fetch-decode-execute cycle. The control unit sends control signals that direct the other parts of the computer.

  5. 5

    What does the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) do?

    Model answer

    The ALU carries out arithmetic such as addition and subtraction. The ALU also performs logical operations and comparisons between values.

  6. 6

    What are registers?

    Model answer

    Registers are very small, very fast storage locations inside the CPU. Registers hold the instruction, address or data being worked on at that moment.

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