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1 -Systems Architecture Workbook

Explain the purpose of the CPU - Use examples and a brief history
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the core component of a computer, responsible for
executing instructions and performing calculations. It manages tasks like running software,
handling data, and controlling hardware. For example, when you open a web browser, the CPU
interprets and executes the browser code.

Historically, CPUs have evolved from early vacuum tube and transistor-based machines to modern
microprocessors. The introduction of the Intel 4004 in 1971 marked a pivotal moment. Today's
CPUs, like Intel Core and AMD Ryzen, are incredibly powerful, featuring multiple cores and high
clock speeds, enabling efficient multitasking and running complex applications.

What is Von Neumann architecture - What is it?

Von Neumann architecture is a computer design concept that integrates a central processing unit
(CPU) with memory, allowing both data and program instructions to be stored in the same memory
unit, enabling sequential execution of instructions.

Explain the purpose of the MAR (Memory Address Register) and why its needed?
The Memory Address Register (MAR) stores the address of the data or instruction in computer
memory that the CPU needs to access. It's essential for fetching and storing data accurately.

Explain the purpose of the MDR (Memory Data Register) and why its needed?
The Memory Data Register (MDR) temporarily holds data retrieved from or about to be written to
memory. It acts as a buffer, facilitating data transfer between the CPU and memory.

Explain the purpose of the Program Counter and why it's needed?
The Program Counter (PC) is a CPU register that keeps track of the memory address of the next
instruction to be executed. It ensures sequential program execution.

Explain the purpose of the Accumulator and why it's needed?

The Accumulator is a CPU register used for performing arithmetic and logic operations. It
temporarily stores results and facilitates efficient data manipulation and computation within the
CPU.

Explain the purpose of the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)and why it's needed?
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logic operations, crucial for
calculations, data processing, and decision-making within the CPU, enabling fundamental
computation tasks in computing systems.

Explain the purpose of the CU (Control Unit) and why it's needed?
The Control Unit (CU) manages the execution of instructions and coordinates data flow within the
CPU. It interprets instructions and controls hardware, ensuring orderly and accurate processing.

Explain the purpose of Cache and why it's needed?

Cache is a high-speed, small-capacity memory used to temporarily store frequently accessed data
and instructions. It reduces CPU's access time to main memory, enhancing overall system
performance.
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Explain the core function of the CPU as fetch and execute instructions stored in memory
The CPU's core function is to fetch instructions and data from memory and execute those
instructions, performing calculations and managing tasks within a computer.

Using http://peterhigginson.co.uk/LMC/
And the following code
inp
sta 8
inp
add 8
out
Explain what is happening during the fetch decode execute cycle.

Explain how common characteristics of CPUs affect their performance:

clock speed, cache size, number of cores
Clock speed determines how quickly a CPU processes instructions. Larger cache sizes reduce
memory access delays. More cores enable parallel processing, enhancing multitasking and overall
performance.

What is an embedded system

A system built in on another device

What is the purpose of embedded systems

Embedded systems are specialized computer systems designed to perform specific tasks or
functions within a larger system, often with real-time requirements, such as in appliances,
automobiles, and industrial machinery.

Give examples of embedded systems along with what inputs, processing and outputs they have
1. Smart Thermostat
- Inputs: Temperature readings, user settings.
- Processing: Control algorithms.
- Outputs: HVAC commands (heat/cool), temperature display.

2. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in a Car

- Inputs: Wheel speed sensors.
- Processing: Monitor wheel speed, adjust brake pressure.
- Outputs: Adjusted brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup, signal to dashboard.

3. Digital Microwave Oven

- Inputs: User-set cooking time/power, sensor data.
- Processing: Timing, temperature control.
- Outputs: Heating element activation, display cooking time.

QUESTION 1
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Ann wants to purchase a new computer and is looking at two models. The specification of the CPU
in each computer is shown below.

When running a 3D flight simulator, Computer 1 is likely to run faster than Computer 2. Using the
information above, identify one reason for this.
More cores
[1]
Explain one reason why the cache size affects the performance of the CPU.
Data is transferred faster so CPU is more efficient
[2]
Identify four events that take place during the fetch-execute cycle.
Instruction fetched from memory, then decoded, then executed, then repeated
[4]

Gareth has a satellite navigation system (Sat Nav) which contains an embedded system. Define what
is meant by an ‘embedded system’.
Computer system that is on another device

[1]
Identify three devices, other than a Satellite Navigation system, that contain embedded systems.
Phone

MP3 Player

Washing machine
[3]
QUESTION 3
Here are some statements about the CPU of a computer. Tick one box in each row to show whether
each of the following statements is true or false.
Statement True False
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CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. .

The CPU fetches and decodes instructions. .

The speed of a CPU is usually measured in GigaHertz (GHz). .

If a CPU has many cores, this slows down the computer. .

The hard disk drive is part of the CPU. .

[5]
QUESTION 4
Dipesh is thinking of buying a tablet computer to replace his old desktop computer. Describe how
the CPU and RAM work together to enable the tablet computer to operate.
Instructions are stored in the RAM, from where they are fetched and then executed
[3]
The tablet computer also uses cache memory. Describe the purpose of cache memory.
To store instructions and data that is frequently in use.
[2]
QUESTION 5
Quinn’s current computer specification is shown below.

Describe the benefits of a dual core processor over a single core processor.
Multitasking, more processes completed per second
[2]

Question 1: Processors have a speed measured in (1-4) ✔

Hertz ✓
Bits
Bytes
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Seconds
Question 2: Data and Instructions in use are stored in the: (1-4) ✔
Processor
Embedded System
Hard Disk Drive
Main Memory ✓
Question 3: Typical processor speed of 2016: (1-4) ✔
16Hz
100MHz
4GHz ✓
300GHz
Question 4: What doesn’t affect the performance of the computer (1-4) ✔
Clock Speed
Number of Cores ✓
Cache Size
The number of instructions in the program
Question 5: If the number of cores goes up from 2 to 4 – what is the exact effect on performance?
(1-4) ✔
Performance decreases
The maximum number of instructions executed per second doubles ✓
The maximum number of instructions executed per second quadruples
The maximum number of instructions executed per second is halved
Question 6: If the processing speed goes up from 1GHZ to 4GHZ – what is the exact effect on the
performance of the computer? (1-4) ✔
The maximum number of instructions executed per second doubles
The maximum number of instructions executed per second quadruples ✓
The maximum number of instructions executed per second is halved
The maximum number of instructions executed per second is quartered
Question 7: If the processing speed goes up from 2GHZ to 4GHZ and the number of cores goes
from 2 to 4 – what is the exact effect on the performance of the computer? (5-6) ✔
The maximum number of instructions executed per second doubles
The maximum number of instructions executed per second quadruples ✓
The maximum number of instructions executed per second is halved
The maximum number of instructions executed per second is quartered
Question 8: If the processing speed goes from 1GHZ to 4GHZ and the processor is changed from an
8 core to a dual core processor – what is the exact effect on the performance of the computer? (5-6) ✔
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The number of instructions executed per second doubles
The number of instructions executed per second quadruples
The number of instructions executed per second is halved
The number of instructions executed per second stays the same ✓
Question 9: Firmware in which software and hardware are integrated on a circuit board is often used
in what type of system? (5-6) ✔
Desktop System
Embedded System ✓
Operating System
Point of Sales System
Question 10: Which is an example of an Embedded System: (1-4) ✔
Laptops
Tablets
PCs
Microwave ✓
Question 11: Processor don’t do the following (1-4) ✔
Process Data
Execute Instructions
Execute Data ✓
Operate in Hz
Question 12: The part of a processor in which instructions are executed is known as? (1-4) ✔
Core ✓
Centre
Execution
Instruction Centre
Question 13: What acts as an intermediary between the processor and the Main Memory? (6-9) ✔
Bus
User
Cache ✓
Clock
Question 14: What is held in cache? (5-6) ✔
All of the programming instructions
Commonly used instructions and data ✓
Instructions that have been processed
Data that hasn’t been used for a long time
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Questions 15: Moore’s Law? (7-9) ✔
Predicted that the number of transistors on a circuit board would double ever year ✓
Computers would be capable of thinking and learning for themselves by 2020
That the number of cores on a processor would double every year
The performance increase of computers would eventually halt in 2020
Question 16: Firmware refers to (5-6) ✔
Any hardware that can’t easily break
A combination of hardware and software ✓
A type of software that is updated to make a computer work better
Hardware used in kitchens
Question 17 If the processing speed goes up from 2GHZ to 4GHZ and the number of cores goes
from 1 to 2 – what is the exact effect on the performance of the computer? (5-6) ✔
Doubled
Quadrupled ✓
Eight Times faster
Sixteen times faster
Question 18 If the processing speed goes up from 2GHZ to 4GHZ and the number of cores goes
from 1 to 4 – what is the exact effect on the performance of the computer? (5-6) ✔
Doubled
Quadrupled
Eight Times faster ✓
Sixteen times faster
Question 19 If the processing speed goes up from 1GHZ to 4GHZ and the number of cores goes
from 1 to 2 – what is the exact effect on the performance of the computer? (5-6) ✔
Doubled
Quadrupled
Eight Times faster ✓
Sixteen times faster
Question 20 If the processing speed goes up from 1GHZ to 4GHZ and the number of cores goes
from 1 to 8 – what is the exact effect on the performance of the computer? (5-6) ✔
Eight Times faster
Sixteen times faster
Thirty Two times faster ✓
Sixty Four times faster
Question 21: What component holds the address of the next instruction (7-9) ✔
Memory Address Register
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Memory Data Register
Program Counter ✓
Accumulator
Question 22: Results of calculations are held in this register: (7-9) ✔
Memory Address Register
Memory Data Register
Program Counter
Accumulator ✓
Question 23: This holds the instruction/data temporarily after it is brought to the processor from the
main memory (7-9) ✔
Memory Address Register
Memory Data Register ✓
Program Counter
Accumulator
Question 24: This holds the number of the current instruction being worked on (7-9) ✔
Memory Address Register
Memory Data Register ✓
Program Counter
Accumulator
Question 25: This would perform an operation including the word “And” (5-7) ✔
Arithmetic Logic Unit ✓
Accumulator
Cache
Control Unit
Question 26: This would send a signal such as “Memory Read” (5-7) ✔
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Accumulator
Cache
Control Unit ✓
Question 27: This would perform an operation such as 5+8 (1-4) ✔
Arithmetic Logic Unit ✓
Accumulator
Cache
Control Unit
Question 28: This would reduce the number of memory/processor transfers (5-7) ✔
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Arithmetic Logic Unit
Accumulator
Cache ✓
Control Unit
Question 29: This sends signals such as “I/O Read” (5-7) ✔
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Accumulator
Cache
Control Unit ✓
Question 30: This sends signals such as “Memory write” (5-7) ✔
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Accumulator
Cache
Control Unit ✓
Question 31: This doesn’t happen during the Fetch part of the cycle: (7-9) ✔
Address Bus is used
Program Counter increments by one
Arithmetic operations are performed ✓
Main Memory is addressed
Question 32: This doesn’t happen during the Decode / Execute part of the cycle: (7-9) ✔
Current Instruction is held in the CIR
Results are held in the Accumulator
Status Register updated
Instructions are transferred from Main Memory ✓
Questions 33: What is held in ROM? (1-4) ✔
Data currently in use
Bootstrap Loader ✓
Instructions frequently used
Operating System
Question 34: Carries address of the next instruction that will be fetched (4-6) ✔
Address Bus ✓
Data Bus
Control Bus
System Bus
Question 35: What is a property of an Address Bus (4-6) ✔
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Carries Data and Instructions
Uni-Directional ✓
Bi-Directional
Carries control Signals
Question 36: Which component generates addresses(4-6) ✔
Processor ✓
Main Memory
Control Unit
Secondary Storage
Question 37: What is transferred down the data bus? (4-6) ✔
Data only
Addresses only
Data and Instructions ✓
Data, Instructions and Addresses
Question 38: What accurately describes a peripheral? (1-4) ✔
A component of a computer system
A device that is not directly connected to the CPU ✓
A device that is directly connected to the CPU
A device that is plugged in
Question 39: This is not a type of secondary storage (1-4) ✔
Blu-Ray Drive/Disc
Flash Memory
Hard Disk Drive
RAM ✓
Question 40: What is the purpose of the accumulator? (4-6) ✔
To perform arithmetic operations
To hold the results of a calculation ✓
To hold the accumulation of instructions that have happened
To remember the previous instruction being worked on