1.1 Systems architecture

Fetch execute cycle

fetching (from memory), Decoding (what it's asking you to do), Executing

ALU

performs algorithmic and logic decisions

CU

Coordinates activities of the CPU

Cache

temporary storage for frequently accessed data

Registers

memory in the CPU used to store data currently in use of fetch execute cycle

MAR

Stores the address of the data to be fetched from/stored

MDR

Stores the data to be fetched/stored

Program counter

stores address of the instruction to be fetched from after

Accumulator

stores results of the ALU

Clock Speed

indicates the number of fetch/decode/execute cycles per second - higher clock speed = quicker CPU

Cache size

small size of high-speed RAM in the CPU. more cache space = quicker CPU

Number of cores

more cores means it can run a greater number of instructions at one time - more cores = quicker CPU

Embedded systems

a small system that forms part of a larger system e.g washing machine