The next instruction is copied from main memory into the CPU
What is the role of the clock in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?
It sends regular signals that control the timing of the cycle
A program adds two numbers together and then compares the result with zero. Which component performs both of these operations during the execute stage?
The arithmetic logic unit
During the fetch stage, the CPU needs the instruction stored at address 20 of main memory. Which component carries this address to main memory?
The address bus
In the stored program concept, what does main memory hold while a program is running?
Both the program instructions and the data being used
Which term describes the step in which the next instruction is moved from main memory into the CPU?
Fetch
What is meant by the 'control unit'?
The part of the CPU that decodes instructions and directs the other components
What is meant by a 'register'?
A very fast storage location inside the CPU that holds values being worked on
Which term describes the step in which the control unit works out what an instruction means?
Decode
What is meant by main memory?
The store that holds the instructions and data currently in use by the CPU
During the fetch stage, main memory returns the instruction that the CPU has asked for. Which path carries that instruction from main memory into the CPU?
The data bus
Which path carries the signals that tell main memory whether the CPU wants to read a value or write a value?
The control bus
A program instruction stores the contents of a register into main memory. During which stage of the cycle does this happen?
Execute
A program must be copied into main memory before it can be run. Why is this?
Because the CPU fetches each instruction from main memory
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