CSC429
Tutorial Task Week 4
1. State the THREE (3) principles of a Von Neumann machine.
• Data and instructions are both stored in the main memory.
• The content of the memory is addressable by location.
• Instructions are executed sequentially, unless the order is explicitly modified.
2. Differentiate the functions of Memory Address Register (MAR), Memory Data/Buffer
Register (MDR).
Memory Address Register (MAR) Memory Data Register (MDR)
Holds the address of the location to or from Holds the data to be written into or read
which data are to be transferred out of the address location
3. What is the function of Program counter (PC) register?
Program counter holds the address of the instruction to be fetched next
4. What is the difference between Instruction Register (IR) and Program Counter (PC)?
Instruction Register (IR) Program Counter (PC)
Holds the instruction that is currently Holds the address of the next instruction
being executed to be executed
5. The PRINCIPLES of Von Neumann Architecture stated that Data and instructions are
both stored in the main memory. What are the advantages of storing both of them on
the same memory?
• Only one set of addressing circuits is needed for accessing both instruction and
data
• Efficient utilization in terms of memory space
6. The Von Neumann Architecture was first described in a seminal First Draft of a
Report on the EDVAC. The document describes a design architecture of a general-
purpose electronic computer that serves as the basis for almost all of modern
computers.
a. List Two main components of a Von Neumann Architecture
• CPU
• Memory
b. Von Neumann machine are general purpose computers. Define the term
general-purpose computers
A computer that is designed to be able to carry out many different tasks
c. Name one (1) of the earliest computers built based on the Von Neumann
Architecture
EDVAC computer, IAS