1.1.2) Types of processor Flashcards
(a) The differences between and uses of CISC and RISC processors. (b) GPUs and their uses (including those not related to graphics). (c) Multicore and Parallel systems.
What is an instruction set?
A set of instructions a processor can execute, made of modules to simplify complex calculations.
What does RISC stand for?
Reduced Instruction Set Computers;
What is a RISC processors main feature?
it has a small instruction set where each instruction is one line of machine code, executed in one clock cycle.
Why is RISC suitable for mobile devices?
It is power-efficient, which is essential for small devices like phones, even though instructions may require multiple lines of code.
What does CISC stand for, and what is its main characteristic?
Complex Instruction Set Computers; it has a large instruction set designed to complete tasks in fewer instructions.
Why is CISC better suited for PCs and laptops?
Power efficiency is less of a priority for PCs and laptops, and CISC minimizes the number of instructions needed for tasks.
What is the role of a GPU?
GPUs are specialized co-processors with many cores working in parallel, used for processing images, gaming, machine learning, neural networks, and data mining.
How do GPUs support parallel processing?
They contain thousands of independent cores that work together to process and display information simultaneously.
What is multicore processing?
It involves splitting programs across multiple processor cores to execute multiple instructions simultaneously.
What is parallel processing, and where is it used?
It involves multiple computers working together to efficiently process tasks, used in climate modelling, AI, and data processing.
Advantages of RISC processor
- Pipelining is possible since each instruction takes one clock cycle.
Advantages of CISC processors
- The compiler has to do less work to translate high level code into machine code
- Less RAM is required
Disadvantages of RISC Processors
- The compiler has to do more work to translate high level code into machine code
- More RAM is required to store the code
Disadvantages of a CISC processor
Many specialised instructions are made even if only a few are used.
