Architecture of the CPU

What is the purpose of the CPU

executes instructions in order to run programs

What is the function of the Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

performs mathematical calculations and logical operations

What is the function of the Control unit (CU)

1. controls the operation of the fetch decode execute cycle

2. coordinates the operation of the CPU

3. sends commands to other components

What is the function of Cache

fast memory device on the CPU that stores frequently used data and instructions

What is a register

fast access storage locations in small amounts that are needed temporarily

What is the function of the MAR (memory address register)

stores the address of data to be fetched from

or

address where the data is stored

What is the function of the MDR (memory data register)

stores the data that is being fetched from

or

written to memory

What is the function of the program counter (PC)

stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched from memory

What is the function of the Accumulator

stores the results of calculations or operations carried out by the ALU

What is the fetch-decode-execute cycle

It’s a continuous cycle performed by the processor

What are the stages that take place in the fetch-decode-execute cycle

1. address of the next instruction is fetched from the PC - MAR

2. the instruction is fetched from the memory and copied into the MDR

3. The PC is incremented

4. instruction is decoded by the CU

5. decode instruction is executed by the CPU or ALU

6. process repeats for the next instruction

What does the Von Neumann model do

stores instructions and data in the same memory

What is clock speed

It controls the number of instructions carried out each second

How does clock speed affect the CPU

the more clock speed added the faster the CPU can execute instructions

How does cache size affect the CPU

a larger cache size increases the amount of frequently used data that can be stored

What are cores

individual processing units within a CPU that process instructions and handles tasks

How does the number of cores affect the CPU

the more cores added the more instructions can be processed and more task can be handled simultaneously

What is an embedded system

a computer system that is designed to perform specific functions within a larger mechanical or electronic system

Characteristics of embedded systems

• designed for one specific task

• built into other devices and cannot easily be separated

• have minimal or no user interface

• optimised for efficiency and reliability

• typically low power, small and efficient

examples of embedded systems

• washing machines

  • control water temperature

  • cycle timing

  • motor speed

• microwave ovens

  • manage cooking time

  • power levels

  • safety features

• traffic lights

  • control timing sequence

  • respond to sensors