1.1.2 - Types Of Processor

Question 1

CISC Processors (List 4 Features)

Answer 1

Aims to complete a task in as few lines of assembly as possible
- More complicated processor design and more complex instructions. Each instruction may take multiple machine cycles.
- Does not allow pipelining.
- Longer instruction set
- Many addressing modes are available.
- Uses single register set.
- Requires less RAM.
- Programs run more slowly due to complicated circuitry
- Integrated circuitry is more expensive.

Question 2

RISC Processors (List 4 Features)

Answer 2

Aims to use simple instructions that will be executed within one clock cycle
- Uses simpler instructions. Each instruction takes one machine cycle.
- Allows pipelining.
- Smaller Instruction set.
- Fewer addressing modes are available.
- Uses one or more register sets.
- Requires more RAM.
- Programs run faster due to simple instructions.
- Simple circuitry is cheaper

Question 3

What is a Co-Processor?

Answer 3

• An extra processor that performs a specific task used to supplement the functions of the primary processor (the CPU)
• It may be used to perform floating point arithmetic, graphics processing, digital signal processing and other functions

Question 4

SIMD and MIMD

Answer 4

• SIMD - One instruction is carried out on multiple data items across several cores.
• MIMD - Multiple instructions are carried out on multiple data items across several cores.

Question 5

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Answer 5

• GPUs are a type of co-processor originally made to render graphics that has lots of independent processors which work in parallel making it very efficient at completing repetitive tasks such as image processing and machine learning.
• Able to perform the same instruction on multiple pieces of data at one time (SIMD)

Question 6

Data Centre

Answer 6

A server farm or server cluster is a collection of computer servers, usually maintained by an organization to supply server functionality far beyond the capability of a single machine. They often consist of thousands of computers which require a large amount of power to run and to keep cool.

Question 7

What is a Multi-core Processing System?

Answer 7

A system with more than one processing unit in a (single) processor which can independently process instructions at the same time.

Question 8

What is a Parallel Processor System?

Answer 8

A system that allows for multiple separate instructions/FDE cycles to run concurrently.