Systems Architecture

• What is hardware in a computer?

  Hardware is the physical components of a computer.
• What is software in a computer?

  Software is the programs that run on a computer.
• What is the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

  The CPU is responsible for the execution or processing of all instructions and data in a computer application.
• What are the main components of the CPU?

  • Control Unit (CU): Reads instructions from memory.
  • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logic operations.
  • System Clock: Produces timing signals for synchronization.
  • Registers: Temporary storage for quick access to information.
  • Cache: Smaller, faster memory for frequently used data.
• What does the Control Unit (CU) do?


  The Control Unit reads an instruction from memory.
• What operations can the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) perform?

  The ALU allows arithmetic (e.g., +, -) and logic (e.g., AND, OR) operations to be carried out.
• What is the purpose of the System Clock in a CPU?

  The System Clock produces timing signals to ensure synchronization of data flow and program instructions.
• What is the function of Registers in a CPU?

  Registers are temporary storage areas for quick access to information.
• What is Cache memory?

  Cache is a smaller, faster memory located closer to a processor core that stores copies of frequently used data.
• What is the Von Neumann Architecture?

  The Von Neumann Architecture allows the CPU to access memory directly and store programs as well as data.
• What does RAM stand for?

  RAM stands for Random Access Memory.
• What is the function of RAM?

  RAM holds all the data and programs needed to be accessed by the CPU.
• What are the three common types of system buses in the Von Neumann architecture?

  • Address bus: Carries addresses throughout the computer system.
  • Data bus: Carries data between the CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
  • Control bus: Carries signals from the Control Unit to other components.
• What are the steps in the Fetch–Decode–Execute Cycle?

  1. Fetch: The instruction is fetched from memory.
  2. Decode: The instruction is decoded.
  3. Execute: The CPU passes control signals to the appropriate components.
• What is an embedded system?

  An embedded system is a combination of hardware and software designed to carry out a specific set of functions.
• What is the purpose of Random Access Memory (RAM)?


  RAM is used to store data, files, and parts of applications currently in use.
• What is the function of Read-only Memory (ROM)?


  ROM is used to store data that the computer needs to access when powering up for the first time.
• What are the three categories of secondary and off-line storage?

  • Magnetic storage: Hard Disk Drives.
  • Solid state drives: Memory sticks/flash memories.
  • Optical media: CD/DVD disks, Blu-ray discs.
• What is virtual memory?

  Virtual memory is an area of secondary memory that acts as if it were part of the system's RAM.
• How does cloud storage work?

  Data is stored on remote servers and can be accessed from any device with internet access.
• What is the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle in the CPU?

  1. Fetch: Instruction is fetched from RAM.
  2. Decode: Determine what needs to be done.
  3. Execute: Carry out the instruction.
• What are the components of the Von Neumann architecture?

  • Control Unit (CU)
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Memory Unit
  • Inputs and Outputs
• What factors affect CPU performance?

  • Clock Speed (Hz)
  • Cache Size
  • Number of Cores
• What are the benefits of embedded systems?

  • Highly efficient at performing tasks
  • Extremely reliable
  • Easy to design
  • Cheap to produce
  • Compact in size
  • Low power consumption
• What are the types of storage in a computer?

  • Primary Storage: RAM, ROM, Registers, Cache
  • Secondary Storage: Hard drives, SSDs
  • Tertiary Storage: Backup and archiving
• What are the characteristics of different types of secondary storage?

  • Capacity
  • Speed
  • Portability
  • Durability
  • Reliability
  • Cost
• What are the characteristics of magnetic storage?

  • High capacity
  • Cheap
  • Fragile
  • Not portable
  • Slow access speed
• What are the characteristics of optical storage?

  • Portable
  • Cheap
  • Reliable
  • Low capacity
  • Slow access speed
• What are the characteristics of solid-state storage?

  • Portable
  • Durable
  • Fastest access speed
  • Non-volatile
  • Expensive
  • Limited lifespan
• What does the Program Counter (PC) do in the Von Neumann architecture?


  The Program Counter holds the address of the next instruction in memory.
• What does the Memory Address Register (MAR) do?


  The Memory Address Register holds the address of where the data is to be fetched or stored.
• What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) do?


  The Memory Data Register holds the data that is to be fetched from or written to memory.
• What does the Accumulator do?

  The Accumulator holds the results of calculations.
• Why is virtual memory needed?

  Virtual memory is needed when there is not enough physical RAM to store open programs.
• What happens to programs when RAM is full?

  Programs are transferred to virtual memory from RAM when they are not in use.
• What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

  RAM is volatile and read/write, while ROM is non-volatile and read-only.
• What are the three types of secondary storage?

  The three types of secondary storage are magnetic storage, optical discs, and solid-state storage.
• What is the purpose of secondary storage?

  Secondary storage holds the operating system, data, and programs when they are not in use.
• Why is secondary storage necessary?

  Secondary storage is necessary because ROM is read-only and RAM is volatile.
• What is the role of cache memory in a CPU?


  Cache memory holds frequently used data and instructions for quicker access.