Computing Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Flashcards
What is a single integrated circuit?
All components are implemented on a single piece of silicon
What is a microprocessor?
A programmable device that takes inputs and processes them according to a set of instructions stores it in memory and then outputs them
What is an Arithmetic logic unit?
A circuit that can perform addition and subtraction based on 2 inputs with the 3rd input determining which one is done.
How could you make an or gate with diodes?
Diodes in parallel can create an OR gate equivalent
What “digital building blocks” are in a microprocessor?
Arithmetic Logic Unit (does mathematical operations)
Registers (stores data close to CPU)
Memory (RAM/ROM)
What do programmers do?
They use basic information, a certain instruction set or location of memory in order to make the computer do a specific task.
What is the difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller?
The microprocessor requires external RAM that is connected to it through wiring and connected through a system bus.
The microcontroller has all of its elements on one piece of silicon.
How are instructions represented?
Instructions on the most basic level are 1s and 0s (machine code). But this can be made easier to understand through assembly code.
What is opcode?
The action
What is an operand?
The addresses
What is a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)
An instruction set that prioritises, compatibility and quantity of functions instead of elegance and efficiency.
What are the +ves and -ves of CISC?
-Requires complex hardware
-Takes longer for instructions to be carried out
+compatibility
What is RISC (R for reduced)
An instruction set that prioritises speed and efficiency rather than compatibility, it is made using a small number of basic instructions
+ves and -ves of RISC
+fast
+hardware optimised for certain instructions
-becomes a CISC over time
What is non-volatile memory?
The instructions are still stored when there is no power.
