Module 1: Computer Architecture & Organization Flashcards
What are the main hardware components of a computer system? i.e. the minimum hardware required for the computer to function
Input Unit/Devices: used to enter data and instructions into the computer
Output Unit/Devices: used to display information from the computer
Central Processing Unit: processes data and controls the operations of the computer
Memory (RAM & ROM): used to store data and instructions being worked on
Storage Devices: used to store data and information for later use
https://www.tutorialsmate.com/2022/01/components-of-computer.html
input/output devices
both provide an interface for the user and computer to interact with each other
both are peripheral devices i.e. they are physically connected to the system unit via ports
characteristics determined by port connectivity; speed; quality of output
Port Connectivity: distinguish among serial/parallel ports, network ports, video ports, audio ports, firewire and USB ports
Serial vs Parallel ports - transmission of data one bit at a time over a single communication line. With parallel ports data is transferred in or out in parallel using more than one communication line or wire
Network ports - used to connect the computer to a network or the Internet
Video ports - used for connecting visual output devices through
VGA: Video Graphic Array
S-video: separate video
DVI: Digital Video Interface
HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface
Audio Ports - Self Explanantory
Firewire ports - used to transfer large amounts of data at very fast speeds
USB or Universal Serial Bus Ports are used to connect all kinds of devices. Has replaced serial/parallel ports
https://recompute.co.zw/buying-guides/a-complete-guide-of-every-type-of-computer-port/
State with examples the role and function of input devices
converts user input into binary form
Input may be text, numbers, images, sound, symbols or binary code
Transfers data to primary memory
Examples: mouse, keyboard, microphone, webcam, scanner, touch screen, barcode reader, OMR, OCR and MICR,
Specialized Input devices
braille keyboard,
sensors ,
touch screen, concept keyboard
Common Input Devices (video):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gk6MCmdIr-tYY1vbWnK0IsbMysn-URef/view?usp=sharing
Input Devices for Disabled Users (video): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lu5ZnWxQGfAO1hc-0oayMkY_D2gvHTD0/view?usp=sharing
State giving examples, the role and function of output devices
Receives and displays information from the computer system.
Retrieves processed data from primary memory, converts it into a form humans can understand and displays it on the corresponding output device
examples: monitor, printer, speakers, projector, plotter, headphones, touchscreen, control system
Output Devices: speed and quality of output
hard copy or physically printed output
soft copy output: audio or visual output on monitors
Pixels
sound quality
Explain the role and function of the CPU
Controls all operations performed by the computer including arithmetic and logical operations
controls transmission of data from input devices to main memory
takes data from main memory interprets and processes or converts it into a form that is meaningful to the user and sends it back to main memory
Controls the transmission of information from main memory to output devices
State the function of each component of the CPU: The Arithmetic Logic Unit and The Control Unit
The ALU performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparison(logical ops), and bitwise operations
The control unit controls and coordinates all operations.
It works through a cycle of fetch, decode, and execution.
fetch operation fetches the next instruction from the main memory
decode operation outputs what the ALU needs to perform on the data
execution operation causes the instruction to be carried out
The role of control unit can be summarised as below:
To fetch / decode / execute instructions;
To synchronise operation of processor;
To marshal/control operation of fetch-execute cycle;
To send control signals/commands to other components of fetch-execute cycle
State the function of each component of the CPU: Memory Unit: ROM, RAM, CACHE and Registers
Registers
Registers are small but very fast memory to hold data before and after being processed by the CPU. All ALU operations are accomplished within registers.
ROM/RAM- used to hold temporary instructions and data for manipulation before, during and after processing.
CACHE, holds frequently requested data and instructions
a high-speed memory, which is small in size but faster than the main memory (RAM).a temporary storage area (buffer) that the computer’s processor can retrieve data from easily
How Memory Works
When a block of code or data that is held in memory, it is directly accessible to the CPU for manipulation.
Memory is organized in units called words.
A word is the maximum number of bits a CPU can process in a single instruction. Typical word size are 8, 16, 32, or 64 bits.
Each word has its own address in the memory.
Primary Memory: ROM; RAM; EPROM; EEPROM
RAM: SRAM vs DRAM
RAM:
Random Access Memory; is volatile; user can read or write data and programs in C.P.U
Static RAM and Dynamic RAM are used to increase the execution speed of a computer
ROM:
not changed by the user
not volatile
EPROM vs EEPROM
both can be erased and reprogrammed by the user
EPROM - erased by UV light
EEROM - erased by electrical pulses
https://www.computersprofessor.com/2016/04/explain-primary-memory-of-computer.html
State the function of each component of the CPU: Registers, Buses & The System clock
https://dochub.com/sandie-subero/oGZeMNnwXOE8Eb7VQvbrYd/csu1m1so4-characteristics-of-a-processor-docx?dt=s43hhP_JPRrNAvKdasnY
Handout: state the factors affecting the performance of a computer’s processor
https://dochub.com/sandie-subero/oGZeMNnwXOE8Eb7VQvbrYd/csu1m1so4-characteristics-of-a-processor-docx?dt=s43hhP_JPRrNAvKdasnY
For each of the 7 basic logic gates you must be able to:
- draw its symbol
- draw its truth table
- describe it’s operation
The 7 basic Logic Gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XAND
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/logic-gate-AND-OR-XOR-NOT-NAND-NOR-and-XNOR
