1.1 - Central Processing Unit Flashcards
What is a computer system?
A computer with input , output , storage devices, processor making a system to carry out a task.
What are the 4 parts of a computer system?
Processor
Input
Output
Storage
What are input devices’s function?
Input devices allow you to put data into your computer.
Eg: keyboard
What are output devices’ function?
Output devices let you see the results of your work on the computer.
Eg: computer screen
What are storage devices’ function?
You use storage devices to save your work
What is the processor’s function?
It does all the work in a computer system. it contains all the circuits required to process input, store data, and output results.
Where is the processor located in the computer system?
At the centre of your computer system is a processor.
What are microprocessors?
A small chip of silicon with all the components of a computer processor built onto it.
How small are microprocessors?
A microprocessor is small enough to fit on your fingertip.
What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing unit
What is a CPU?
The term is used to describe the main computer processor, because there may be other processors in a complete computer system.
What is another term for a computer processor?
CPU - Central Processing Unit
What are the three important parts of a CPU?
Control unit
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
Clock
What is the control unit?
The control unit manages other components and the processing cycle of the CPU.
Describe the function of the control unit?
-When an instruction arrives at the CPU, it goes to the control unit.
-The control unit works out what the instruction means.
-The control unit makes sure that the other parts of the CPU do the work needed to carry out the instruction.
What is the ALU?
The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is the component part of the CPU that performs all arithmetic and logical operations and calculations.
Describe the function of the ALU.
-The control unit sends instructions to the ALU
-The ALU carries out the instructions.
What is the clock?
A small quartz crystal in the CPU that emits a regular pulse.
What is the clock’s function?
The pulse of the clock is used to synchronize the CPU’s processing cycle. Every time the CPU clock ticks , the control unit sends an instruction to the ALU.
How many times does a CPU’s clock tick every second?
The clock in the CPU of your computer ticks around 3 billion times every second.
What are buses?
Are high speed data links that carry instructions and data to and from the CPU.
How are the three parts of the CPU joined together?
The three parts of a CPU are joined together by connections called buses
How does a CPU complete its tasks?
Even simple tasks have to be broken down into several smaller tasks before the CPU can complete it.
What makes a CPU seem so powerful?
It can do a task every time it’s clock ticks. A computer can appear to do amazing things by doing a lot of very simple tasks , very quickly.
