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  1. Name the parts of the CPU that perform the following functions:

    1. carries out arithmetic and logical computations (Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU))
    2. stores data within the CPU itself (Registers)
    3. coordinates the activities of the CPU and computer (control unit (CU))

  2. The CPU consists of integrated circuits in the microprocessor of a computer.

  3. The CPU is responsible for processing information and controlling the computer.

  4. In the CPU are the control unit, which manages the execution of the instructions, and the ALU, which performs mathematical and logical computations.

  5. In the CPU are storage locations called registers.

  6. One of these is the program counter which contains the location of the current instructions.

  7. The CPU communicates with other components such as memory through bundles of signal wires called buses

Fetch execute cycle

  • Instructions and data are stored in RAM

  • A register called the program counter holds address of the next instruction to be executed

  • This is transmitted through the data bus.

  • The instruction is decoded by the control unit and passed to the arithmetic and logic unit, which carries out the instruction.

CPU Performance

  1. To increase the speed of a computer, users often increase the clock frequency, what is this called? Overclocking

  2. A user who increased the clock frequency noticed the computer is noisier, why?

  3. Increased Fan Speed (RPM), modern computers use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fans.

  4. The motherboard monitors the CPU temperature via internal sensors, as you overclock, the CPU temperature rises.
  5. The motherboard’s BIOS detects this heat and tells the fans to spin faster to move more air across the heatsink.

  6. Faster-spinning fans create more turbulence and mechanical noise, resulting in a louder "whirring" or "rushing" sound.

  7. The main reason why manufacturers are finding it difficult to produce faster microprocessors is? the amount of heat generated

A computer has a quad-core processor:

  1. What is meant by "quad-core" and how does it improve the performance of the computer?

It means the CPU has four independent processing units (cores) integrated into a single physical chip

  1. Explain how using cache memory also improves the performance.

Cache Memory improves performance, by reducing the "Speed Gap" between the CPU and your RAM.

Embedded systems

  1. Explain what is meant by an "embedded system"

An embedded system is a computer system designed to perform one specific, dedicated function within a larger device or electrical system.

  1. List three devices that contain embedded systems.

  2. Microwave Oven

  3. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  4. Digital Thermostat
  5. Smart Watch
  6. Traffic Light Controllers
  7. Digital Cameras

Final

  1. State the roles of the following in the fetch-execute cycle:

    1. The program counter Holds the address of the next instruction
    2. The address bus Tells memory where to look for data
    3. The data bus Carries the actual data/instruction

  2. A new laptop with 1.6GHz dual-core CPU and 512KB Level 1 cache, describe what is meant by:

    1. 1.6GHz CPU The "clock" inside the CPU acts like a metronome, pulses 1.6 billion times per second.
    2. dual-core CPU A dual-core processor means there are two cores housed on a single CPU chip
    3. L! cache L1 (Level 1) Cache is a very small, extremely fast type of memory located directly inside the CPU core.