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Digital Environment > Primary Components - Processors > Flashcards

Primary Components - Processors Flashcards

1
Q

What is another name for the processor, and what is its role in a computer?

A

The processor, also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), is the “brain” of the computer, responsible for executing program instructions.

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2
Q

How does the speed of the processor impact computer performance?

A

The faster and more powerful the processor (measured in GHz), the better the computer’s overall performance.

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3
Q

Name some important features to consider in a processor.

A
  1. CPU Clock Speed,
  2. Cores,
  3. Cache,
  4. Word Length.
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4
Q

Define CPU Clock Speed and its significance.

A
  1. Is measured in GHz, which indicates how many cycles per second the processor can execute.
  2. Higher clock speeds allow the CPU to handle more instructions in each time period
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5
Q

What is the role of Cores in a CPU?

A
  1. Cores are individual processing units within a CPU.
  2. More cores enable the processor to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, improving overall performance.
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6
Q

What is the purpose of Cache in a processor?

A

Cache is a type of memory within the processor that stores frequently used data, making it quickly accessible to the CPU.

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7
Q

Explain Word Length in the context of processors.

A
  1. Word Length refers to the number of bits a processor can process at once.
  2. A larger word length allows the CPU to handle more data in a single operation, enhancing performance in specific tasks.
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8
Q

Name two common CPU architectures and their primary uses.

A
  1. x86 architecture (for personal computers & servers)
  2. ARM architecture (designed for mobile devices, tablets, and some laptops and more energy efficient than x86, though it is generally less powerful).
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9
Q

Describe the uses of a Microprocessor.

A
  1. computers,
  2. smartphones,
  3. vehicle speed controllers,
  4. traffic lights,
  5. military applications.
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10
Q

Describe the characteristics of a microprocessor.

A
  1. Consists of a CPU
  2. Uses an external bus to interface with RAM, ROM and other peripherals
  3. Expensive and complicated, with many instructions to process
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11
Q

Describe the features of a microprocessor.

A
  1. Provides inbuilt monitor/ debugger program with interrupt capability
  2. Offers parallel I/O (Input/ Output)
  3. Instruction cycle times
  4. External memory interface
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12
Q

What are the uses of a microcontroller?

A
  1. Mobile phones
  2. Vehicles
  3. CD/DVD players
  4. Washing machines
  5. Security alarms
  6. Lighting systems
  7. Fire detection systems
  8. Keyboard controllers
  9. Watches
  10. Cameras
  11. Microwave ovens
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13
Q

Describe the characteristics of a microcontroller.

A
  1. Consists of CPU, Memory and I/O integrated on one chip.
  2. Uses an internal controlling bus
  3. Inexpensive and straightforward, with fewer instructions to process than other types of processors
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14
Q

What are the features of a microcontroller?

A
  1. Contains a processor reset
  2. Program and variable memory (RAM) I/O pins
  3. Device clocking central processor
  4. Instruction cycle timers
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15
Q

What is the use of an embedded processor?

A

To control the electrical and mechanical functions

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16
Q

What are the characteristics of an embedded processors?

A
  1. Requires more resources such as RAM and registers to control a system,
  2. Is used to create an automated device as well as controlling devices using a microcontroller
  3. Requires external components to function, e.g. peripheral interfaces
  4. Often a component within a microcontroller
17
Q

What are the features of an embedded processor?

A
  1. Simple design
  2. Limited computational power
  3. Limited I/O capabilities
  4. Minimal power requirements
18
Q

What are the uses of a digital signal processor (DSP)?

A
  1. Measuring
  2. Filtering
  3. Compressing digital/ analogue signals such as voice, audio, video, temperature, pressure or position and manipulates them mathematically.
19
Q

What are the examples of compressing digital/ analogue signals?

A
  1. Speech processing
  2. Image processing
  3. Medical processing
  4. Biometric processing
  5. Seismology
  6. Radar
20
Q

What are the characteristics of a Digital Signal processor? (DSP)?

A
  1. Processes digitized signals in real-time, manipulates signals such as voice, audio, video, etc.
  2. Used in applications like speech processing, image processing, medical processing, and seismology.
  3. Can quickly perform mathematical calculations.
21
Q

What signals does a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) process in real time?

A

DSP processes digitized signals from the real-world, including voice, video, temperature, audio, position, and pressure.

22
Q

What is the purpose of mathematically manipulating signals in a DSP?

A

Signals are mathematically manipulated to convert them into another form or to display information.

23
Q

How does DSP contribute to the compatibility of digital TVs with different video standards?

A

Digital TVs use DSP to ensure compatibility with various video standards such as VGA, SVGA, SXGA, and UXGA.

24
Q

What are some applications where DSP is commonly used?

A

DSP is used in cell phones, digital TVs, sound cards, and other devices that require signal processing

25
Q

What are the features of a DSP?

A
  1. Analyzes and manipulates signals.
  2. Processes signals using a computer, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
26
Q

How does a DSP handle its parameters for different applications?

A

DSPs have programmable processors, allowing their parameters to be changed to accommodate various applications, such as those in cell phones, digital TVs, or sound cards.

27
Q

What mathematical calculations can a DSP quickly perform?

A

DSPs can quickly perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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