Michaelmas 2023 Flashcards
Architecture of the CPU CPU Performance Embedded Systems Primary Storage Secondary Storage Networks
What is the CPU responsible for?
Executing the instructions given to it in a program
What is a microprocessor?
An integrated circuit that is made up of millions of transistors
What does the CPU contain?
CU, MAR, MDR, ALU
What is the Von Newmann Architecture?
The way the CPU is designed, and executes the program instructions
What is the Von Newmann Bottleneck?
A limitation on CPU performance caused by the CPU having to wait for data. (Processor speed is very fast, data transfer from RAM is slower)
What is a bus?
A collection of wires that carry signals or connections between the components in the computer system
Control bus
Transfers control signals between the CPU to the memory
Data bus
Transfers data between the CPU and the memory
Address bus
Copies memory address from the CPU to the memory
Fetch, Decode and Execute Cycle
Address of instruction copied from PC to MAR, then copied to MDR by data bus, then copied to CIR. Instruction is decoded by the CU, and is performed
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Performs arithmetic and logical operations
CU (Control Unit)
Coordinated actions of the computer, and controls the flow of the data between CPU and i/o devices
Clock
Pulses are sent out by a vibrating quartz crystal to synchronise FDE and operation of the CPU
Overclocking
Adjusting the clock to run faster than the CPU is designed for
Cache
A small amount of energy that is part of the CPU, temporarily holds data and instructions CPU is likely to reuse
More cache
means more data is can be stored closer to the CPU
More cores
(processing units) means more power to run multiple programs at the same time
Decoder
Decodes program instruction from memory and decides what to do with it, then sends control signals to other components to carry them out
Registers
Small high-speed memory locations in a CPU which stores instructions and data that are used in the FDE cycle
-Program Counter (PC)
Holds memory address for the instruction of each cycle, increased each time an instruction is carried out
-MAR (Memory Address Register)
Stores the address of the next item of data that is needed by the processor
-MDR (Memory Data Register)
Stores data from memory until it is used
-Accumulator
Stores results of logical and arithmetic operations
Embedded system
Computer system built within a larger device, and limited to a certain number of tasks at an efficient rate
Characteristics:
- limited number of components
- specific hardware necessary
- clock speed much lower than general purpose computers (100MHz)
Advantages:
- easier to design
- cheaper to produce
- more efficient than PC
Disadvantage:
Narrow functionality
Computer Network
Two or more devices joined together to share data
Node
An entity or addressable device on a network that can be managed
Standalone Device
Computer or device that is not connected to the network
Transmission Media
A method of carrying data signals from one computer to another
Features of LAN
Communications media is owned by LAN, owner is responsible for setting up and maintaining the network
Advantages:
- Users can share resources and files
- Files can be backed up
- Protection from malware can be managed centrally
Disadvantages:
Cost (must buy, install and maintain), malware (bugs and viruses can spread)
WAN
Made of several different LANs connected together, used by companies to connect offices all over the world
Advantages:
- Shares information over a large area
- Supports global market and global businesses
- Centralised It structure
Disadvantages:
- Buying access can be expensive as you pay through broadbands at home
- Relies on internet service providers to fix problems
Bandwidth
How much data can be pushed across a connection in a given amount of time