T2 CPU Performance Flashcards
Q: What are the three main factors that affect CPU performance?
A: Clock speed, number of cores, and cache size.
Q: What is clock speed?
A: The number of fetch-execute cycles a CPU can perform per second, measured in hertz (Hz).
Q: How does a higher clock speed affect CPU performance?
A: A higher clock speed allows the CPU to process more instructions per second, increasing performance.
Q: What is a multi-core processor?
A: A processor with multiple processing units (cores) that can execute instructions simultaneously.
Q: Why doesn’t a multi-core processor always perform twice as fast?
A: Software must be designed to take advantage of multiple cores for performance to improve.
Q: What is cache memory?
A: A small amount of high-speed memory in the CPU that stores frequently used instructions and data.
Q: How does cache memory improve CPU performance?
A: It reduces the time needed to access frequently used data compared to retrieving it from RAM.
Q: What are the three levels of cache memory?
Level 1 (L1): Small and very fast, located within each CPU core.
Level 2 (L2): Larger but slightly slower, usually per core.
Level 3 (L3): Shared among all cores, largest but slowest.
Q: What is an embedded system?
A: A dedicated computer system designed to perform a specific function within a larger device.
Q: Give three examples of embedded systems.
A: Microwave, dishwasher, and satnav.
Q: How does an embedded system differ from a general-purpose computer?
A: An embedded system runs a single program stored in ROM, whereas a general-purpose computer can install and run multiple programs.
Q: Why are embedded systems highly reliable?
A: They are designed for specific tasks and do not need frequent updates or changes.
Q: What are some examples of embedded systems in a car?
A: Cruise control, engine cooling fan, and infotainment system.
