Absolutely! Here's a detailed explanation of each key term and topic from Unit 3.
1, including
examples and completed answers to typical exam-style exercises. This is aligned with the
IGCSE Computer Science 0478 – Paper 1 requirements.
📘 Unit 3: Hardware – Topic 3.1: The Central Processing
Unit
🔹 3.1.1 – Components of the CPU: Explained with Examples
🧠 1. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
Definition:
The ALU is the part of the CPU that carries out all mathematical (e.g. addition, subtraction) and
logical operations (e.g. greater than, less than, equal to).
Example:
If you write a program that says:
IF score > 50 THEN print "Pass"
The ALU compares score to 50 and decides what to do.
🧠 2. Control Unit (CU)
Definition:
The CU controls and manages how instructions are fetched, decoded, and executed. It sends
signals to different parts of the CPU.
Example:
When the CPU starts running a program, the CU fetches the first instruction and tells the ALU or
registers what to do next.
🧠 3. Registers
Definition:
Registers are small memory locations inside the CPU that store data temporarily during
processing.
Examples:
Program Counter (PC): Keeps track of the address of the next instruction.
Accumulator: Stores the results of calculations.
Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds memory addresses to access.
Memory Data Register (MDR): Holds actual data being transferred.
🧠 4. Clock
Definition:
The clock sends regular signals (called "pulses") that control the timing of CPU activities.
Example:
If your clock speed is 3 GHz, it can handle 3 billion operations per second.
🧠 5. System Buses
Definition:
Buses are physical paths used to transfer data between components.
Bus Type What It Does
Data Bus Carries actual data between CPU and memory
Address Bus Carries memory addresses
Control Bus Carries control signals (e.g. read/write)
🔹 3.1.2 – Von Neumann Architecture Explained
Definition:
A computer design where both data and instructions are stored in the same memory and
processed using the same pathway.
🔁 The Fetch–Decode–Execute Cycle:
1. Fetch:
o The CU gets the next instruction from memory (using the PC and MAR).
2. Decode:
o The CU translates the instruction into signals.
3. Execute:
o The ALU or other CPU parts carry out the instruction.
Example:
If you ask the computer to calculate 4 + 3, the instruction and the numbers are fetched, decoded,
and the ALU adds them.
📝 Exercise – Completed Examples (Paper 1 Style)
Q1. Name the part of the CPU that performs comparisons.
✅ Answer: Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
Q2. What does the Control Unit do? (2 marks)
✅ Answer:
It fetches and decodes instructions.
It sends control signals to other parts of the CPU.
Q3. What is the purpose of the Program Counter?
✅ Answer:
It holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched.
Q4. What is the difference between the data bus and address bus? (2 marks)
✅ Answer:
The data bus carries actual data.
The address bus carries memory addresses.
Q5. In the Von Neumann model, what is stored together in the same memory?
✅ Answer:
Data and instructions.
Q6. What happens during the “decode” step of the fetch-decode-execute cycle?
✅ Answer:
The control unit interprets the fetched instruction and prepares the necessary signals to execute
it.
Q7. Give an example of a register and explain its function.
✅ Answer:
Example: Accumulator – It stores the result of calculations.
To enhance your understanding of the IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus, particularly
Unit 3.1: The Central Processing Unit (CPU), here are some highly recommended video
resources that provide clear explanations of each component and the Von Neumann architecture:
🎥 1. Components of the CPU
Video: CAMBRIDGE IGCSE Topic 3.1: Purpose of the Components in a CPU
Overview: This video offers a comprehensive breakdown of the CPU's main components,
including the Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), various registers, buses, and the
system clock. It explains the function of each component and how they interact within the CPU.
🎥 2. Von Neumann Architecture
Video: The Von Neumann Architecture Explained
Overview: This video provides a detailed explanation of the Von Neumann architecture,
covering the concept of stored programs, the fetch-decode-execute cycle, and the roles of
different CPU components within this [Link]
📚 Supplementary Reading
For additional revision, consider the following resources:
Save My Exams – CPU Revision Notes: Offers concise explanations of CPU
components and the fetch-execute cycle. Read here
GeeksforGeeks – Von Neumann Architecture: Provides an in-depth article on the Von
Neumann architecture, including its history and significance in modern computing. Read
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