1.1 Systems Architecture Revision

Question 1

What is the purpose of the CPU?

Answer 1

To guide the computer through the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle.

Question 2

What is the name of the Component which performs Calculations?

Answer 2

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Question 3

What is the purpose of the cache?

Answer 3

Provides fast access to frequently used instructions and data without having to go to the main memory (RAM).

Question 4

What functions does the Control Unit do?

Answer 4

It decodes instructions and sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Memory Data Register?

Answer 5

Holds data fetched from or to be written to the memory.

Question 6

Give examples of an embedded system and why it is a computer system.

Answer 6

1. Hospital Instruments
2. Car Engine Management Systems
3. Digital Clocks
4. Washing Machines
5. Hybrid Cars
   It is a small system which performs tasks of a larger system, device or machine.

Question 7

What is the purpose of the Program Counter

Answer 7

Holds the address of the next instructions.

Question 8

What three factors affect the speed of the CPU?

Answer 8

Cores, Cache Size and Clock Speed.

Question 9

Explain what each cycle of the Fetch-Execute cycle does.

Answer 9

Fetch: Fetches the information from the main memory and brings it back to the CPU.
Decode: Decodes the instructions to better understand them.
Execute: CPU carries out the instructions.

Question 10

What are the Program Counter and the Accumulators?

Answer 10

Registers.