Unit 1.1 System Architecture

Question 1

Processors have a speed measured in….

Answer 1

Hertz

Question 2

Data and Instructions in use are stored in the:

Answer 2

Main Memory

Question 3

What doesn’t affect the performance of the computer

1. Clock speed
2. Number of cores
3. Cache size
4. Number of instructions in the program

Answer 3

4. Number of instructions in the program

Question 4

If the number of cores goes up from 2 to 4 – what is the exact effect on
performance?

Answer 4

The maximum number of instructions executed per second doubles

Question 5

Central processing unit (CPU)

Answer 5

Decodes and executes instructions

Question 6

Order that registers are used in the Von Neumann cycle

Answer 6

• Program counter (PC)
• Memory Address Register (MAR)
• Memory Data Register (MDR)

Question 7

Embedded system

Answer 7

A computer system designed for a specific purpose

Question 8

Factors affecting the speed of the CPU

Answer 8

• Clock speed
• Number of cores
• Cache size

Question 9

Cache

Answer 9

Provides fast access to frequently used instructions

Question 10

Von Neumann Architecture

Answer 10

Instructions are fetched, decoded and executed one at a time

Question 11

Memory Data Register (MDR)

Answer 11

Holds the data fetched from or to be written to the memory

Question 12

Memory Address Register (MAR)

Answer 12

Holds the address of data ready for use by the Memory Data Register

Question 13

Program Counter (PC)

Answer 13

Holds the address of the next instruction

Question 14

Control Unit (CU)

Answer 14

Sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU

Question 15

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer 15

Performs calculations and logical decisions