Systems Architecture Assessment

1. What is a computer?

A computer is a device that:

• takes an input,
• processes data and,
• produces and output.    

2. What is a program?

A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do.

3. What is the 'Stored Program' Concept?

Where programs/instructions are stored on the computer's memory allowing the computer to perform a wide range of tasks that can be changed by adding/changing the programs in memory.

4. Who defined the stored program concept?

John von Neumann

5. What fore the four major components of the CPU?

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
2. Cache
3. Clock
4. Control Unit

6. Draw a diagram showing a computer system

(it should include the components of a CPU, the bus and main memory)

7. Draw the 'Fetch-Execute' sequence diagram

8. What are the three main factors that effect the performance of the CPU?

9. What is the clock speed measured in?

Hertz (currently gigahertz)

10. Explain how the clock speed affects the performance of the CPU

• The clock speed determines how fast instructions can be carried.
• The faster the clock speed, the more instructions per second can be carried out.

11. What is cache memory

• Cache memory is a small amout of very fast memory on the processor.

12. What is the purpose of cache memory?

• It allows data/instructions to be stored on the processor, saving the time it takes to retrieve data from the main memory.

13. What are the cores of a CPU?

• The cores of a CPU are the processing components of a CPU.
• The more cores a CPU has the more simultaneous processes it can do.

14. Why do more cores improve the performance of a CPU?

• The more cores a CPU has the more simultaneous processes it can do, reducing the wait time for an instruction to be processed before the next instruction can be dealt with.

15. What is an embedded system?

• A dedicated computing system within a large mechanical or electrical system.

16. Give two examples of embedded systems.

• Car engine management system
• Smartwatch
• Traffic light

17. What is a CPU with an integrated memory called?

• Microcontroller

18. What are the advantages of an embedded system over a general purpose computer?

• Small size
• Low cost
• Rugged design

19. What are the disadvantages of an embedded system over a general purpose computer?

• Small memory
• Slower processors
• Harder to program