1.1-System Architecture

1.1-System Architecture

1. Processor

   • Has clock speed
     • Number of cycles per second
     • measured in Hertz
   • Brains of the computer system
   • Executes out instructions
   • Has cores which executes out instructions
     • The effects of using a processor with more than one core is that more instructions are carried out simultaneously

2. Secondary Storage

   • DVD
     • Flash memory
   • Solid State Drive

3. Main Memory

   • RAM- Random Access Memory
     • On the motherboard
     • accessible by the processor
     • Holds data and instructions that are in use by the processor
   • ROM- Read only memory
     • When power is off the instructions still stay on the ROM
     • Instructions are permanently stored onto a ROM chip

4. System Busses

   • Separated into 3 different busses
     • The data bus
       • Data can read or written
       • Bi-Directional
       • Carries data/instructions from the main memory to the processor
     • The address bus
       • Carries addresses from the processor to the main memory
       • The processor generates an address
       • All data/instructions are returned on the data bus
     • The control bus
       • Control signals are sent along the central bus
         • E>g Memory Road, Memory White
         • This instructs which data will be travelling to/from memory

5. Embedded System- A computer system that is built into another device