1.1 System Architecture

1.1 System Architecture

1. KEY WORDS

   • Processor, Execute, MHz, GHz, Embedded system, Clock speed, Hertz, Cache, Core, Instruction

2. PROCESSOR

   • This is the 'Brains' of the computer. It processes data, carries out instructions(Executes them). Processors have a clock speed measured in Hertz which is the number of cycles per second.

3. CORE

   • Each processor has a 'core' in which instructions are executed, processors can be multi core: Dual core, Quad core, 8 core. Each core executes instructions independently, Dual core may execute up to twice as many instructions per second, Quad core will execute 4 times as many and 8 core will execute 8 times as many etc...

4. CACHE SIZE

   • Processors have 'Cache' this is very fast and usually a very small amount on the memory chip. The Cache acts as an intermediary between the processor and the main memory. As the programs are executed the cache holds commonly used instructions.

5. EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

   • A computer system that is made up of both Hardware and Software, often known as Firmware. this is usually used for very specialised tasks, and doesn't usually contain an operating system, for example: Dishwasher