1.1 Systems Architecture Flashcards
Key Words: Computer Architecture
This is the internal, logical structure and organisation of the computer hardware (the physical components).
It is how all the different pieces of the computer fit together and work together efficiently.
Key Words: Von Neumann Architecture
The Von Neumann Architecture explains how all devices follow a general rule when processing information.
All data and programs are stored in the computer’s memory and are stored as binary digits (0s and 1s).
Key Words: Input Device
A device we use to send information into the computer e.g. mouse, keyboard, microphone.
Key Words: Output Device
A device we use to send information out of the computer e.g. monitor, speakers, printer.
Key Words: CPU
Central Processing Unit - This is the brain of the computer. It processes all instructions given to it by the user, using the fetch, decode, execute cycle.
Key Words: Hz
Hertz - This is what we measure the speed of a CPU in. 1Hz = 1 instruction that can be executed per second.
Key Words: Instruction
This is something that has been requested by the user, that the CPU must carry out.
Key Words: Clock Speed
This is the speed of a CPU, which tells us how many instructions can be carried out each second.
Key Words: Core
This is the number of individual processors within a CPU, that can carry out instructions. Processors can be multi-core (e.g. Dual Core, Quad Core etc.) Each core executes instructions independent to the other cores.
Key Words: Cache
The is memory located on the processor chip. It acts as a very small amount of memory located in between the processor and Main Memory (RAM).
We store frequently used instructions here to make accessing them quicker and easier.
Key Words: Efficiency
Completing a task as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of the result.
Key Words: Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle
This is the cycle the CPU goes through in order to process an instruction:
Fetch – An instruction is fetched from memory (RAM)
Decode – The instruction is broken down into small instructions, and converted into a language the CPU understands (binary)
Execute – The instruction is executed, and the user receives what they requested e.g. a program opening up
As this is a cycle, once the CPU executes an instruction, it goes back to the start and fetches a new instruction, and the process happens again.
Key Words: ALU
Arithmetic Logic Unit - performs all arithmetic (addition and subtraction) and logical (greater than, less than, equal to) operations within the CPU.
Key Words: CU
Control Unit - This works with the CPU to control the flow of data within the system and to decode instructions.
Key Words: Register
This is a small amount of memory within the CPU.
There are a variety of registers, all of which do
different jobs.
Key Words: MAR
Memory Address Register - This stores the address of the data or instruction that is currently being accessed by the CPU.
Key Word: MDR
Memory Data Register - This stores the data or instruction that is currently being accessed by the CPU.
Key Words: Program Counter
This stores the address of the next instruction to be processed, which then goes onto the MAR.
Key Words: Accumulator
This temporarily stores data whilst calculations are being processed by the ALU.
Stores the results of calculations.
Key Words: Embedded Systems
Performs a single task within a larger piece of equipment. It is a small processor that is inside a large piece of equipment, dedicated to a single task.
(e.g washing machine, microwave, dishwasher)
