systems architecture Flashcards
(14 cards)
clock purpose
electrical pulses
synchronises components
bus
collection of wires that transmits data / signals
from one component to another
effect of core number on CPU
more tasks done at the same time
processors effect on CPU
Allows multiprocessing
run multiple applications
cache size effect on CPU
faster data access
smallest and closest to cpu is L1
fetch / decode / execute cycle
fetch: the next instruction is fetched to the CPU from main memory
decode: the instruction is decoded to work out what it is
execute: the instruction is executed (carried out). This may include reading/writing from/to main memory.
Cache vs registers
CACHE
slight slower then registers
volatile
frequently used
REGISTERS
volatile
extremely fast
temporary storage
Main memory vs Secondary storage
MAIN MEMORY
faster
volatile
holds data temporarily
SECONDARY STORAGE
slower
non volatile
long term
includes OS, apps, files, backups
not directly accessible from the cpu
solid state storage
flash memory
no moving parts
fast rewrite speed
expensive
limited write cycles
optical storage
laser to read write
lands and outs (binary )
portable
scratched
limited cycle
cheap
magnetic
magnetised areas
high capacity
low cost
heavy
can be reused many times
slower then SSD
sensitive to shock
suffer wear and tear
cloud storage
data being stored at a remote location
uses magnetic and solid state storage
ADVANTAGES
accessible
scalable
no maintenance
backup
DISADVANTAGES
security issues (fraud )
privacy issues (safe)
subscription fee
internet down then can’t be accessed
embedded system
specialised Computer system designed to perform its dedicated function with in a large system
runs off software
e.g microwave, digital watch, printer
non embedded system
general purpose system designed to perform a wide range of tasks
multipurpose
powerful hardware
I/O devices
complex OS
e.g laptop , desktop computer
