Chap 1 - Short Answer

Each location in Main Memory contains a _________ value that can be interpreted as either an instruction or data.

binary number

The __________ is a device for staging the movement of data between main memory and processor registers to improve performance and is not usually visible to the programmer or processor.

cache

The processing required for a single instruction is called a(n) __________ cycle.

instruction

The fetched instruction is loaded into the __________ .

instruction register

When an external device is ready to accept more data from the processor, the I/O module for that external device sends an __________ signal to the processor.

interrupt request

When a new block of data is read into the cache the __________ determines which cache location the block will occupy.

mapping function

The invention of the _________ was the hardware revolution that brought about desktop and handheld computing.

microprocessor

A __________ computer combines two or more processors on a single piece of silicon.

multicore

The concept of multiple programs taking turns in execution is known as __________.

multiprogramming

A Control/Status register that contains the address of the next instruction to be fetched is called the _________.

program counter

External, nonvolatile memory is also referred to as __________ or auxiliary memory.

secondary memory

A special type of address register required by a system that implements user visible stack addressing is called a __________

stack pointer

In a _________ multiprocessor all processors can perform the same functions so the failure of a single processor does not halt the machine.

symmetric

To satisfy the requirements of handheld devices, the classic microprocessor is giving way to the _________ , where not just the CPUs and caches are on the same chip, but also many of the other components of the system, such as DSPs, GPUs, I/O devices and main memory.

system on a chip

Registers that are used by system programs to minimize main memory references by optimizing register use are called __________ .

user-visible registers