everything Flashcards
Processors have a speed measured in….
Hertz
Data and Instructions in use are stored in the:
Main Memory
What doesn’t affect the performance of the computer
- Clock speed
- Number of cores
- Cache size
- Number of instructions in the program
- Number of instructions in the program
If the number of cores goes up from 2 to 4 – what is the exact effect on
performance?
The maximum number of instructions executed per second doubles
Central processing unit (CPU)
Decodes and executes instructions
Order that registers are used in the Von Neumann cycle
- Program counter (PC)
- Memory Address Register (MAR)
- Memory Data Register (MDR)
Embedded system
A computer system designed for a specific purpose
Factors affecting the speed of the CPU
- Clock speed
- Number of cores
- Cache size
Cache
Provides fast access to frequently used instructions
Von Neumann Architecture
Instructions are fetched, decoded and executed one at a time
Memory Data Register (MDR)
Holds the data fetched from or to be written to the memory
Memory Address Register (MAR)
Holds the address of data ready for use by the Memory Data Register
Program Counter (PC)
Holds the address of the next instruction
Control Unit (CU)
Sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs calculations and logical decisions
Address Bus
tells data where it should be.
Data bus
A communication system which carries data to the components which need them.
Control Bus
Controls data via wires to CPU
What is the CIR?
The current instruction register contains the current instruction during processing.
What is the ACC?
The accumulator holds the results of all the calculations.
Why is cache needed?
To provide the CPU with data quicker than the main RAM and to temporarily store data that the CPU is likely to use next.
Where is the location of cache?
Inside the CPU chip.
What is the size and speed of level 1 cache?
Smallest and fastest.
What is the size and speed of level 2 cache?
Large and holds lots of data. It is slightly slower than level 1 cache.
What is the size and speed of level 3 cache?
It is the biggest size of cache and it holds the most amount of data. Even though it is the slowest level of cache, it is still faster than the main RAM.
The Von Neumann architecture is also known as the……
software program computer.
What is the clock?
It is a microchip regulates the timing and speed of all computer operations, as well as determining the speed of the of the CPU.
