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Basic Operational Concepts

The document summarizes basic operational concepts of a computer. It explains that the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) executes most operations and registers temporarily store operands brought into the processor. Instructions define operations like moving data between memory and registers or adding register values. The program counter tracks the next instruction address, fetching instructions from memory into the instruction register for execution by the control unit in precise timing.

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3K views7 pages

Basic Operational Concepts

The document summarizes basic operational concepts of a computer. It explains that the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) executes most operations and registers temporarily store operands brought into the processor. Instructions define operations like moving data between memory and registers or adding register values. The program counter tracks the next instruction address, fetching instructions from memory into the instruction register for execution by the control unit in precise timing.

Uploaded by

aramadevi
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic Operational Concepts of a

Computer
• Most computer operations are executed in
the ALU (arithmetic and logic unit) of a
processor.
• Example: to add two numbers that are both
located in memory.
– Each number is brought into the processor, and
the actual addition is carried out by the ALU.
– The sum then may be stored in memory or
retained in the processor for immediate use.
Registers
• When operands are brought into the processor, they are
stored in high-speed storage elements (registers).
• A register can store one piece of data (8-bit registers, 16-
bit registers, 32-bit registers, 64-bit registers, etc…)
• Access times to registers are faster than access times to
the fastest cache unit in the memory hierarchy.
Instructions
• Instructions for a processor are defined in the ISA
(Instruction Set Architecture) – Level 2
• Typical instructions include:
– Mov BX, LocA
• Fetch the instruction
• Fetch the contents of memory location LocA
• Store the contents in general purpose register BX
– Add AX,BX
• Fetch the instruction
• Add the contents of registers BX and AX
• Place the sum in register AX
How are instructions sent between
memory and the processor
• The program counter (PC) or instruction pointer
(IP) contains the memory address of the next
instruction to be fetched and executed.
• Send the address of the memory location to be
accessed to the memory unit and issue the
appropriate control signals (memory read).
• The instruction register (IR) holds the instruction
that is currently being executed.
• Timing is crucial and is handled by the control
unit within the processor.
CPU
Memory
I/O

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