1.1 system architecture

1.1 system architecture

1. cache

   • it holds commonly used instructions
   • the cache acts as an intermediary between the core and the processor

2. processor

   • the processor speed is measured in GHZ, HZ and MHZ
   • CPU
   • MAR
   • ALU
   • CU
   • CIR
   • these are all in the processor
   • the processor is the brains of the computer
   • it carries out the instructions (executes instructions)
   • processes data
   • retrieves data/instructions from main memory (fetch)
   • stores data into memory once executed

3. core

   • A core can come in many different sizes (dual core, quad core and an 8 core)

4. embedded system

   • the computer is usually made up of hardware and software
     • often known as firmware
       • usually for specialised tasks
         • doesn't usually contain operating system

5. computer system

   • internal components: the processor, main memory (RAM ROM EEPROM), the I/O controllers and buses

6. external components (perihperals): keyboard, mouse printer, disk drives, I/O devices / I/O ports and secondary storage

7. RAM (random access memory)

   • holds data and instructions that are currently in use by the processor