Architecture of the CPU , CPU performance, Embedded systems

Question 1

What does CPU stand for?

Answer 1

Central Processing Unit

Question 2

True or False: The CPU is often referred to as the brain of the computer.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What are the primary components of a CPU?

Answer 3

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), CU (Control Unit), and registers.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The __________ executes instructions by performing calculations and making decisions.

Answer 4

ALU

Question 5

What is the function of the Control Unit in a CPU?

Answer 5

It directs the operation of the processor and coordinates the activities of all other components.

Question 6

Which type of memory is fastest in a CPU?

Answer 6

Registers

Question 7

What does ‘clock speed’ refer to in CPU performance?

Answer 7

The speed at which a CPU can execute instructions, measured in Hertz.

Question 8

True or False: A higher clock speed always means better CPU performance.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What is CPU throughput?

Answer 9

The amount of processing that a CPU can perform in a given amount of time.

Question 10

Define ‘embedded system’.

Answer 10

A computer system that is part of a larger device and is designed to perform dedicated functions.

Question 11

Choose the correct answer: Which of the following is NOT an example of an embedded system? A) Microwave oven B) Desktop computer C) Smart thermostat

Answer 11

B) Desktop computer

Question 12

What is the main advantage of using embedded systems?

Answer 12

They are optimized for specific tasks, leading to efficient performance and lower power consumption.

Question 13

What is the role of cache memory in CPU architecture?

Answer 13

Cache memory stores frequently accessed data and instructions to speed up processing.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The __________ is a small amount of very fast memory located inside the CPU.

Answer 14

Cache

Question 15

What does ‘multi-core’ mean in the context of CPUs?

Answer 15

A CPU architecture that contains multiple processing units (cores) on a single chip.

Question 16

True or False: Multi-core CPUs can execute multiple instructions simultaneously.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What is the purpose of instruction pipelining in CPU architecture?

Answer 17

To increase instruction throughput by overlapping the execution of multiple instructions.

Question 18

What is a ‘bus’ in CPU architecture?

Answer 18

A communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer or between computers.

Question 19

Choose the correct answer: Which type of bus connects the CPU to memory? A) Data bus B) Address bus C) Control bus

Answer 19

A) Data bus

Question 20

What is the difference between RISC and CISC architectures?

Answer 20

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) uses a small set of simple instructions, while CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) uses a larger set of more complex instructions.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: In a CPU, __________ is the process of translating high-level code into machine code.

Answer 21

Compilation

Question 22

What is thermal throttling in CPUs?

Answer 22

A mechanism that reduces the CPU’s clock speed to prevent overheating.

Question 23

True or False: Embedded systems can be reprogrammed after deployment.

Answer 23

False (most embedded systems are designed to be programmed once and operate without further modifications.)

Question 24

What is ‘latency’ in the context of CPU performance?

Answer 24

The delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction.

Question 25

What is the significance of the instruction set architecture (ISA)?

Answer 25

It defines the set of instructions that a CPU can execute, affecting compatibility and performance.

Question 26

Choose the correct answer: Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic operations in a CPU? A) CU B) ALU C) Cache

Answer 26

B) ALU

Question 27

What does 'thermal design power' (TDP) indicate?

Answer 27

The maximum amount of heat generated by a CPU that the cooling system must dissipate under any workload.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: The __________ is the part of the CPU that fetches, decodes, and executes instructions.

Answer 28

Execution unit

Question 29

What is the purpose of a system on a chip (SoC)?

Answer 29

To integrate all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip.

Question 30

What is 'overclocking' in the context of CPU performance?

Answer 30

The practice of increasing the clock speed of a CPU beyond its rated speed to improve performance.