Unit 1.1 - System Architecture

Unit 1.1 - System Architecture

1. Purpose of CPU and Components

   • The purpose of the CPU is to Fetch, Decode and Execute
   • The Memory Address Register is used to store the next instruction
   • The ALU performs arithmetic calculations
   • The Control Unit controls the flow of data in the CPU
   • Cache stores instructions the CPU reuses frequently
   • The function of the CPU is to fetch decode and execute instructions

2. Buses and Registers

   • Registers are components for holding short term memory
   • One register is called the Memory Address Register, and it is used for storing the next instruction
   • A bus is a communication system that transfers data between components in a computer

3. Factors Affecting CPU Performance

   • Factors affecting CPU performance include the clock speed (GHz), Cache Size (MB) and the amount of cores
   • The effect of using a CPU with a faster clock speed is more operations are executed per second
   • A CPU with more cores can execute more operations similtaneously
   • The more cache you have, the more frequently used instructions are stored and the CPU relies on the RAM less

4. Computer Types /Embedded Systems

   • An Embedded System is a computer system built into another device
   • The purpose of an embedded System is to provide specific predefined functions
   • Examples of embedded systems include Sat Navs, Mobile Phones, Dishwashers, TVs, Microwaves etc