1.1.2 - Types Of Processor

Question 1

CISC Processors (List 4 Features)

Answer 1

Aims to complete a task in as few lines of assembly as possible
- More complicated processor design and more complex instructions. Each instruction may take multiple machine cycles.
- Does not allow pipelining.
- Instructions have variable format and number of bytes.
- Longer instruction set where many instructions are available.
- An instruction can perform complex tasks so no need to combine multiple instructions.
- A task may be completed in a single machine cycle.
- Many addressing modes are available.
- Uses single register set.
- Does not have GPRs so needs to constantly send data to and from memory.
- Requires less RAM.
- Programs run more slowly due to complicated circuit.
- Integrated circuitry is more expensive.

Question 2

RISC Processors (List 4 Features)

Answer 2

Aims to use simple instructions that will be executed within one clock cycle
- Simpler processor design.
- Uses simpler instructions. Each instruction takes one machine cycle.
- Allows pipelining.
- Instructions have fixed format and number of bytes.
- Smaller Instruction set. Limited number of instructions are available.
- An instruction performs a simple task so complex tasks can only be performed by combining multiple instructions.
- A task may take a number of machine cycles.
- Fewer addressing modes are available.
- Uses one or more register sets.
- Has GPRs to reduce the need to constantly send data to and from memory.
- Requires more RAM.
- Programs run faster due to simple instructions.
- Simple circuitry is cheaper

Question 3

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Answer 3

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a device which unlike CPUs has lots of independent processors which work in parallel making it very efficient at completing repetitive tasks such as image processing and machine learning. GPUs are a type of co-processor (a secondary processor designed to supplement the activities of the primary processor).

Question 4

Data Centre

Answer 4

A server farm or server cluster is a collection of computer servers, usually maintained by an organization to supply server functionality far beyond the capability of a single machine. They often consist of thousands of computers which require a large amount of power to run and to keep cool.

Question 5

What is a multi-core system?

Answer 5

Development of CISC architecture with several sets of CPU components, all in one microprocessor.

Question 6

What is a Parallel Processor System?

Answer 6

The simultaneous use of several procedures, to perform a single job. A job may be categorised into a number of smaller tasks which may be needed to be processed by any available processor.

Question 7

What is a Co-Processor?