cs ppqs

explain two reasons why a programmer would choose to write a program in a high-level language, instead of a low-level language.

 

Give two reasons why a programmer would choose to write code in a low-level language.

1. Many programmers write computer programs in high-level languages. The programs need to be translated into machine code to be read by the computer.

 

State two types of translator that can be used.

compiler

interpreter

compiler

assembler

interpreter

convert 45 to hexadacimal

draw the symbol for an AND gate

write out the truth table for an AND gate

a part of which memory can be used for virtual memory, when a computer runs out of RAM?

DO ADVANTAGES NOT DRAWBACKS

draw the truth table for a NOT gate

and convert the answer to a decimal value

the storage and access of files over the internet

write 11100011 as a decimal number

227

which factors affect the performance of a central processing unit? [1]

clock speed

number of cores

expand the last one

apparently its the ALU

why do some computers have a separate graphics processing unit (GPU)? [2]

give one difference between a general purpose and an embedded computer.

give one example of an embedded system

e.g. automatic door, thermostat

What sort of translator could be used so that a translated piece of code could be run independently without access to the translator? [1]

compiler

One characteristic of a CSV file.

comma separated values (CSV)

What are the three basic sections of a system diagram?

input

process

output

What is the purpose of the setup function, found in every piece of Arduino code?

What is the purpose of the loop function, found in every piece of Arduino code?

Stepper motors require drivers. What is a driver?

(remember there are two types)

💡 What is a driver for a stepper motor?

A driver is an electronic device (usually a small circuit or chip) that controls how power is sent to the stepper motor. It acts as a middleman between your control system (like a microcontroller or computer) and the motor itself.

🔧 Why do stepper motors need a driver?

Stepper motors don’t just run when you apply voltage—they need precise electrical pulses to rotate step-by-step. The driver takes low-power signals (from something like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi) and converts them into higher-power signals that the motor can actually use.

⚙ A driver does 3 main things:

1. Amplifies signals – Boosts low-power signals to control the motor.

2. Controls timing – Sends pulses in the right sequence to turn the motor.

3. Protects components – Manages current and voltage to avoid damaging the motor or controller.

Sometimes the process device cannot provide a high enough signal (current/voltage) for the output device to work correctly.

In this instance a driver is needed. Drivers use transistors to amplify the current, or to control direction of movement of the motor (forwards or backwards).

The driver translates the low current signal output of Arduino pins into higher current that meets the requirement of stepper motor control signals

draw an OR gate

Give an example of what might be stored in RAM. [2]

Explain what random access means. [1]

What is virtual memory? [1]

Memory temporarily allocated from secondary storage.

Which base would you need to use to make this correct: 11 + 1 = 100

base 2 (binary)

15.5

convert 3053 (10) into hexadecimal.

BED

What is the purpose of the program counter register? [1]

It holds the address of the next instruction to be executed in memory.

At what point(s) in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, does the program counter fetch the address of the next instruction from memory? [2]

Explain why a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is used in gaming computers. [2]

Why should the boot-up sequence be stored in a non-volatile memory technology? [2]

Describe the difference in how the ROM is used on a desktop computer and how it is used on an embedded system. [4]

tick if true

B) 1 and 3 are true.

Give a use case for an interpreted language. [1]

rapid program or algorithm development

Some systems make use of actuators. Give an example of an actuator and a system in which you might find it. [2]

microcontroller

Convert E38 (16) to denary

What is the role of the register known as the program counter? [2]

Apart from the PC, what are the three other registers found inside the CPU? [3]

MAR, MDR, CIR, ACC

State what is meant by a general purpose device? [2]

Identify two characteristics that should be present in the storage for a mobile device. [2]

State the technology you would recommend for the secondary storage for a tablet device. [1]

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Explain why microcontrollers are usually programmed using a compiled language. [2]

State the differences between the purpose of a MAC address and that of an IP address. [2]

What is the purpose of a port? [1]

(ports)

both true

Does 11011101 represent 189 (10)?

draw an XOR gate

Fill in the truth table for an XOR gate

Describe what is meant by Von Neumann architecture. [2]

State the main benefit of Von Neumann architecture. [1]

Buses are found on the motherboard of a modern computer. What is a bus? [2]

What is meant by latency in computing. [2]

is ROM volatile or non-volatile?

non-volatile