Ch 2: Microprocessor Functionality Flashcards
(17 cards)
Where does digital processing occur?
on a chip, microprocessor, or integrated circuit (IC)
Which types of devices does Intel create different processors for?
Many types of computers, including desktops, laptops, and embedded systems
Which type of devices does Qualcomm create processing technology for?
mobile and wireless devices
Which type of devices does NVIDIA create processing technology for?
graphic processors
What is the purpose of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called a microprocessor or processor?
performs all calculations for the system
Makes the CPU the most essential and busiest part of the system
part of every computer
What is Semiconductor material?
CPU is a very small wafer of this material
Tiny transistors and other electronic components are etched into CPU which is made of a thin layer of this material
Semiconductors are neither a good conductor of electricity like copper nor good insulators like rubber, so they don’t interfere with the flow of electricity
What is the Machine Cycle?
Four basic operations that a CPU’s internal components perform
What is the purpose of the Control Unit?
directs and coordinates the overall operation of the CPU
fetches instructions from memory and places them in registers, then decodes instructions
What is the purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
Executes instructions during the machine cycle
The resulting process data is stored in registers until the control unit gives instructions for output
What is the purpose of a Register?
functions as a “workbench” inside CPU, holding data that is processing
What steps does data go through inside the CPU?
- Fetch: The control unit fetches instructions from memory and places them into registers temporarily
- Decode: The control unit interprets the instructions and decides how to direct the ALU
- Execute: The ALU performs math calculations according to the instructions it receives
- Store: Processed data is stored in registers until the control unit gives an instruction for it to be output
What is cache?
Fast memory that’s stored close to the CPU and connected by a fast pathway
When the CPU needs data, where does it look first?
The closest cache, L1
What is an L1 cache?
on die cache, meaning it is stamped into the same silicon wafer at the same time as the CPU
Where does the CPU look if it’s unable to find the needed data in L1?
L2
Where is L2 on modern systems?
in the CPU next to the Silicon chip
If the data is not in L2, where does the system check next?
L3
larger and slightly farther away
