1.1.2 Types of Processor

• What does RISC stand for?

  Reduced Instruction Set Computers
• What characterizes RISC processors?

  They have a small instruction set
• How long does each instruction take in RISC processors?

  One clock cycle
• What is an example of an operation in RISC processors?

  Multiplying two numbers X and Y
• What does CISC stand for?

  Complex Instruction Set Computers
• What is the aim of CISC processors?

  To accomplish tasks in fewer assembly lines
• Where are CISC processors primarily used today?

  Microcontrollers and embedded systems
• What are the key differences between RISC and CISC processors?

  • RISC: More work for compiler, more RAM needed, pipelining possible
  • CISC: Less work for compiler, less RAM needed, many specialized instructions
• What is a multi-core CPU?

  A CPU with multiple independent cores
• How do multi-core CPUs improve performance?

  By completing instructions separately
• What is the main advantage of parallel systems?

  They can complete tasks with a single core
• What does GPU stand for?

  Graphics Processing Unit
• How do multi-core systems compare to parallel systems in larger projects?

  Multi-core systems perform better
• How do GPUs differ from CPUs?

  GPUs have many independent processors
• What type of tasks are GPUs efficient at completing?

  Repetitive tasks like image processing
• What is a co-processor?

  A secondary processor that supplements the primary
• What are the main features of GPUs?

  • Lots of independent processors
  • Works in parallel
  • Efficient for repetitive tasks
  • Acts as a co-processor