Unit 9

Question 1

Define a multicore processor?

Answer 1

A multi core processor is (usually) a single physical integrated
circuit that is built from a small number of individual processor
circuits

Question 2

Name 2 machine languages?

Answer 2

MIPS & ARMS

Question 3

Define a compiler?

Answer 3

A compiler converts a high-level language to an assembly program

Question 4

Define an assembler?

Answer 4

An assembler convert assemply program into a machine language

Question 5

Define a linker?

Answer 5

A linker produces a final machine language program by “Linking in” code libraries

Question 6

What happens after the linker work on the machine program?

Answer 6

The machine program is loaded into main memory

Question 7

What happens after the mahcine program is loaded into main memory?

Answer 7

Each instruction is then executed in the porcessor.

Question 8

Name 4 kinds of memory?

Answer 8

1. Processor memory
2. Main memory
3. Outboard memory
4. External memory

Question 9

Define processor memory?

Answer 9

Where data is stored within the processor itself. The smallest memory units are called registers and cache

Question 10

Define main memory?

Answer 10

Where data is stored inside computer circuits known as memory chips. The smallest memory units are called cells

Question 11

Define outboard memory?

Answer 11

Often located on the computer, such as magnetic hard discs and so on

Question 12

Define external memory?

Answer 12

Such as magnetic tape or cloud storage or flash drives

Question 13

As you move down the memory heirarchy what 4 variables change?

Answer 13

decreasing cost per unit of memory,
increasing total capacity,
increasing access time,
decreasing access of memory directly by the processor.

Question 14

What is processor storage made from?

Answer 14

flip-flops (latches)

Question 15

What is an advantage and disadvantage of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)?

Answer 15

It is very fast but very expensive.

Question 16

What is DRAM (dynamic random access) and how does it work?

Answer 16

DRAM is an array of transistors and capacitors. A capacitor can store a small electrical charge, and a charge is interpreted as a binary digit.

Question 17

What is an advantage and disadvantage of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)?

Answer 17

Each DRAM bit is physically simple, so it is small and cheap. DRAM is slower then SRAM.

Question 18

What is an EEPROM?

Answer 18

EEPROM is erased by electrical voltage, and can be reprogrammed in place.

Question 19

What is a disadvantage of EEPROM?

Answer 19

EEPROMs are slower and smaller than D/SRAMS.

Question 20

What is Disk Memory?

Answer 20

Disk memory is built from magnetic materials such as iron oxide. MAgnetic fields can alter the state of these materials to store data.

Question 21

How does a computer represent 0s and 1s?

Answer 21

A bit is a “digital circuit” that can “store” a 0 or 1.

Question 22

When a cell has two inputs consisting of read enable & write enable what does 0 and 1 mean?

Answer 22

0 means that the data cannot be read/written
1 means the data can be read/written

Question 23

What is the most significant value in as sequence?

Answer 23

The leftmost byte.

Question 24

In Big Endian where the the most significant value go and then the rest of the value?

Answer 24

The most significant value goes into the lowest adress and then the rest of the value goes into adresses in order.
Hint: The addresses get BIGger in Big Endian.

Question 25

In Little The most significant value goes into the lowest adress and then the rest of the value goes into adresses in order.
Hint: The addresses get BIGger in Big Endian.Endian where the the most significant value go and then the rest of the value?

Answer 25

The most significant value goes into the highest adress and then the rest of the value goes into adresses in reverse order.
Hint: The addresses get LITTLEr in Little Endian.