1.1 system architecture
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What is primary storage?
memory in which the computer can store the data or instructions that are currently in use
What are the two main types of primary storage?
RAM (Random Access Memory) ROM (Read-Only Memory)
What is a common input/output device?
Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speaker, Headset,
What is an embedded system?
A computer with a limited amount of functions, usually within a larger system e.g SatNavs
What is a processor?
A special component that processes data and instructions to control other components within the computer
What is the role of the Control Unit?
Transmits control signals to other components, Decodes data fetched from MDR
What are the two main components in the Control Unit?
The clock, which coordinates the CPU’s activity. The decoder, which decodes program instructions
What is the role of the ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit)?
performs all arithmetic and logic operations
What is a register?
Tiny amounts of super-quick memory within the CPU, they hold information that is needed for the CPU to work
What information does the PC (Program Counter) store?
The memory address location of the next instruction to be run by the CPU
What data does the MDR (Memory Data Register) store?
Stores the data that has just been fetched from, or the data that is about to be written to, the memory.
What data does the ACC (Accumulator) store?
results, of calculations and operations, from the ALU
What is the purpose of the MAR (Memory Address Register)?
…to hold the memory address that will be accessed next
Which register stores the output of the ALU?
Accumulator
Why does the CPU have to follow the Fetch, Decode, Execute cycle?
To process data and instructions
What happens during Fetch?
Memory address is copied from PC -> MAR PC increments by 1 Copy instructions stored in MAR -> MDR
What happens during Decode?
Instructions in the MDR is decoded by the Control Unit Control Unit sends control signals to the component within or outside CPU that needs to act
What happens during Execute?
the operation indicated by the instruction is executed by the appropriate component
What are three factors that affect CPU performance?
Cores, Cache memory, Clock speed
What is Cache memory?
a small amount of very fast memory inside the CPU which stores frequently accessed data and instructions so accessing the data and instructions is quicker