1.1.2: Types of Processor

Question 1

What are the basics of Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC)?

Answer 1

• A large instruction set
• Aim to try and accomplish tasks in as few lines of Assembly Code as possible

Question 2

Where are the instructions in Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC)?

Answer 2

• Built onto the hardware

Question 3

Why are Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC) not as common?

Answer 3

• CISC were the early standard processor but with time got replaced by RISC design

Question 4

Where are Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC) used now?

Answer 4

• More in microcontrollers and embedded systems

Question 5

What are the basics of Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC)?

Answer 5

• A small instruction set
• Each instruction is approximately one line of Machine Code and takes one Clock cycle

Question 6

What is the difference between CISC and RISC when it comes to compilers?

Answer 6

• CISC: The compiler has to do less work to translate high level code into Machine Code
• RISC: The compiler has to do more work to translate high level code into Machine Code

Question 7

What is the difference between CISC and RISC when it comes to RAM?

Answer 7

• CISC: Less RAM is required since code is shorter
• RISC: More RAM is required to store the code

Question 8

What is the difference between CISC and RISC?

Answer 8

• CISC: Many specialised instructions are made, even though only a few of them are used
• RISC: Pipelining is possible since each instruction takes one Clock cycle

Question 8

What are the similarities and differences between Multi-core CPUs and Parallel Systems?

Answer 8

• Multi-core CPUs have multiple independent cores that can complete instructions which results in higher performance
• Parallel systems accomplish a similar task, however instead of requiring multiple cores they can complete tasks with a single core, by using threading

Question 9

What kind of processor are GPUs?

Answer 9

• A type of co-processor: A secondary processor designed to supplement the activities of the primary processor

Question 10

What is the Graphics Processing Unit?

Answer 10

• A device that, unlike CPUs, has lots of independent processors which work in parallel making it very efficient at completing repetitive tasks such as image processing and machine learning

Question 11

Do Multi-core or Parallel Systems perform better in larger projects?

Answer 11

• Generally Multi-core Systems perform better