1.1.2 Types of Processor

• What does RISC stand for?

  Reduced Instruction Set Computers
• What is a characteristic of RISC processors?

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

  One clock cycle
• 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 commonly used today?

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

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

  They have multiple independent cores
• How do parallel systems achieve task completion?

  By using threading
• Which system generally performs better in larger projects?

  Multi-core systems
• What does GPU stand for?

  Graphics Processing Unit
• What is a key feature of GPUs compared to CPUs?

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

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

  A secondary processor supplementing the primary
• What are the main functions of a GPU?

  • Executes parallel processing tasks
  • Efficient in image processing
  • Supports machine learning applications