Processor Architecture

Understanding CPU design and implementation

Introduction

Processor architecture refers to the design and organization of a CPU, including its components, instruction execution, and performance optimization techniques.

Key Components

  • Control Unit
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Registers
  • Cache Memory
  • Bus Interface Unit

Instruction Execution

The basic steps in instruction execution:

  1. Fetch
  2. Decode
  3. Execute
  4. Memory Access
  5. Write Back

Performance Optimization

Techniques to improve processor performance:

  • Pipelining
  • Superscalar Execution
  • Branch Prediction
  • Speculative Execution
  • Out-of-Order Execution

Important Concepts

Key aspects of processor architecture:

  • Clock rate and cycle time
  • Instruction-level parallelism
  • Memory hierarchy
  • Power consumption
  • Thermal management