The document summarizes the key components of a CPU: RAM, registers, buses, ALU, and control unit. It describes how these components work together, such as how the control unit controls instruction flow. The document also discusses the von Neumann architecture and how modern computer architecture remains similar with multiple CPUs connected to memory via buses. Lastly, it defines the fetch-execute cycle as the basic operation of a computer receiving an instruction and carrying out the required action.

1. Student name and no.
Michael Forde and Conor Harpur
20047206 and 20041221

2. The CPU consists of 5 basic components:
 RAM
 Registers
 Buses
 ALU
 Control Unit

3.  Is created from
combining latches
with a decoder.
 Latch are created so
that it can remember.
 While the decoder
creates a way for
single memory
locations to be picked.
Is a form of computer data storage. It takes the form of integrated
circuits that allow stored data to be accessed in any order

4.  These components are
special memory
locations that can be
accessed very fast.
3 registers are:
 The instruction register,
program counter and
the accumulator.

5.  An Arithmetic Logic
Unit(ALU) is a digital
circuit that performs
arithmetic and logical
operations on the CPU.
 It can add, subtract,
multiply and perform
calculations with binary
numbers.

6.  A control unit is
responsible for
controlling the flow of
instructions to data
within the CPU.
 The Control Unit is
actually built of many
other selection circuits
such as decoders and
multiplexors.

7.  These components are
the information
highway for the CPU.
Buses are bundles of
tiny wires that carry
data between
components. The three
most important buses:
Data box
Address box
Control box

8.  The von Neumann
architecture is a design
model for a stored-
program digital computer
that uses a central
processing unit (CPU) and
a single separate storage
structure to hold both
instructions and data.

9.  In modern computer architecture they can be more
than one CPU on a chip but is still connected to the
CPU and RAM by buses.
 The RAM sticks are connected to the motherboard and
through this they are connected to the address and
data buses like the von Neumann architecture.
 And lastly the inputs and outputs were like floppy
disks back then and now they are much more like
USB and CD’s.
Von Neumann architecture design is very similar to
modern computer architecture.

10.  The Northbridge handles communications
among the CPU, RAM, BIOS ROM, PCI
Express video cards and the Southbridge chip.
 And because the Southbridge is further
removed from the CPU it is given
responsibility with the slower devices on a
microcomputer. Also it works with several
different Northbridge's and they usually have
to designed specifically to work together.

11.  Is the process where a
computer receives a
instruction from its
memory, then
determines what
action is required and
carries out these
actions.
Is the basic operation of computer.
3+2
5
= 5

12.  Notes and images from Moodle.
 Wikipedia – Northbridge and Southbridge,
fetch and execute cycle.