Unit 1: Systems Architecture Flashcards
What is the purpose of the CPU?
To fetch and execute instructions stored in memory
What are two major components of the CPU?
What is the purpose of each?
The ALU, which carries out arithmetic and logic instructions.
The Control Unit, which coordinates the CPU activities.
What is a register?
A special fast memory location in the CPU
Name four special registers in the CPU
PC, MAR, MDR, Accumulator
Name three common factors which affect the performance of a CPU
Clock speed, number of cores, cache size
Explain the three common factors of a CPU
Clock speed - The number of fetch-execute cycles per second
Number of cores - The number of processing units on each CPU
Cache - Memory that is faster than RAM and slower than the registers, normally located on the CPU
What is an embedded system?
A computer system that is used to control mechanical or electrical systems
Name three examples of an embedded system
Microwave
Washing machine
Digital watch
What does RAM stand for?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory
What does ROM stand for?
ROM stands for Read Only Memory
Name a difference between RAM and ROM
RAM can be written to, ROM can’t
ROM is non-volatile, RAM is volatile
How much RAM is typically available in a modern PC?
A modern PC will have 8-32 GB of RAM available
Name 5 examples of storage devices
Hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, USB flash drive, CD drive, DVD drive
Name 5 characteristics of storage devices other than cost
Capacity
Speed
Portability
Durability
Reliability
Give 3 technologies that storage devices use
Magnetic, optical, solid state
