Unit 9 Flashcards
Define a multicore processor?
A multi core processor is (usually) a single physical integrated
circuit that is built from a small number of individual processor
circuits
Name 2 machine languages?
MIPS & ARMS
Define a compiler?
A compiler converts a high-level language to an assembly program
Define an assembler?
An assembler convert assemply program into a machine language
Define a linker?
A linker produces a final machine language program by “Linking in” code libraries
What happens after the linker work on the machine program?
The machine program is loaded into main memory
What happens after the mahcine program is loaded into main memory?
Each instruction is then executed in the porcessor.
Name 4 kinds of memory?
- Processor memory
- Main memory
- Outboard memory
- External memory
Define processor memory?
Where data is stored within the processor itself. The smallest memory units are called registers and cache
Define main memory?
Where data is stored inside computer circuits known as memory chips. The smallest memory units are called cells
Define outboard memory?
Often located on the computer, such as magnetic hard discs and so on
Define external memory?
Such as magnetic tape or cloud storage or flash drives
As you move down the memory heirarchy what 4 variables change?
decreasing cost per unit of memory,
increasing total capacity,
increasing access time,
decreasing access of memory directly by the processor.
What is processor storage made from?
flip-flops (latches)
What is an advantage and disadvantage of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)?
It is very fast but very expensive.
What is DRAM (dynamic random access) and how does it work?
DRAM is an array of transistors and capacitors. A capacitor can store a small electrical charge, and a charge is interpreted as a binary digit.
What is an advantage and disadvantage of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)?
Each DRAM bit is physically simple, so it is small and cheap. DRAM is slower then SRAM.
What is an EEPROM?
EEPROM is erased by electrical voltage, and can be reprogrammed in place.
What is a disadvantage of EEPROM?
EEPROMs are slower and smaller than D/SRAMS.
What is Disk Memory?
Disk memory is built from magnetic materials such as iron oxide. MAgnetic fields can alter the state of these materials to store data.
How does a computer represent 0s and 1s?
A bit is a “digital circuit” that can “store” a 0 or 1.
When a cell has two inputs consisting of read enable & write enable what does 0 and 1 mean?
0 means that the data cannot be read/written
1 means the data can be read/written
What is the most significant value in as sequence?
The leftmost byte.
In Big Endian where the the most significant value go and then the rest of the value?
The most significant value goes into the lowest adress and then the rest of the value goes into adresses in order.
Hint: The addresses get BIGger in Big Endian.
