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CEA201

The document discusses computer components and concepts. It provides definitions for stored program computer, the four main components of a general purpose computer (input/output unit, main memory, arithmetic logic unit, central processing unit), and the three principal constituents of a computer system at the integrated circuit level (resistors, capacitors, transistors). It also explains Moore's Law, lists the key characteristics of a computer family, and states that the key distinguishing feature of a microprocessor is its integrated nature, combining circuits into a single package on a single chip.

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69 views3 pages

CEA201

The document discusses computer components and concepts. It provides definitions for stored program computer, the four main components of a general purpose computer (input/output unit, main memory, arithmetic logic unit, central processing unit), and the three principal constituents of a computer system at the integrated circuit level (resistors, capacitors, transistors). It also explains Moore's Law, lists the key characteristics of a computer family, and states that the key distinguishing feature of a microprocessor is its integrated nature, combining circuits into a single package on a single chip.

Uploaded by

caothequan
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CEA201-SE1819

Name: Cao Thế Quân - ID: SE182750

EXECISE 1 CEA

Question 1: What is a stored program computer?

- A stored-program computer is a computer that stores program instructions in


electronically or optically accessible memory. This contrasts with systems that stored
the program instructions with plugboards or similar mechanisms..

- A computer with a von Neumann architecture stores program data and instruction


data in the same memory. However, the term stored-program computer is sometimes
used as a synonym for the von Neumann architecture.

Question 2: What are the four main components of any general-purpose computer? 

- The four main components of general-purpose computer :

+ Input/Output Unit: Input/output devices are required for users to communicate with
the computer. In simple terms, input devices bring information INTO the computer
and output devices bring information OUT of a computer system.

+ Main memory: is the fundamental storage unit in a computer system. It is a large


and quick memory that saves programs and information during computer operations.
The technology that makes the main memory work is based on semiconductor
integrated circuits.

+ Arithmetic and Logic Unit(ALU): An Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a


combinational digital circuit that performs arithmetic and bitwise operations on
integer binary numbers.

+ Central Processing Unit(CPU): is the principal part of any digital computer system
and is generally composed of the main memory, control unit, and arithmetic-logic
unit. It constitutes the physical heart of the entire computer system and is linked to
various peripheral equipment, including input/output devices and auxiliary storage
units. In modern computers, the CPU is contained on an integrated circuit chip called
a microprocessor.

Question 3: At the integrated circuit level, what are the three principal constituents of
a computer system? 

Three principal constituents of a computer system:

- Resistors: A resistor can be thought of in terms of a water pipe. As a pipe becomes


narrower or longer, more pressure (or voltage, in an IC) is required, in order to
achieve the same rate of flow. The resistance of a resistor is measured in Ohms.

- Capacitors: Capacitors are responsible for storing charge, and can be likened to a
water storage tank. The more water that is pumped into the tank, the more force is
required in order to add additional water (or charge, in an IC). The amount of charge
that can be stored by a capacitor is known as capacitance.
- Transistors: Transistors produce resistance in a circuit, like resistors, but the amount
of resistance they produce can be varied. Imagine a transistor as the tap at the end of
the pipe - one that you can't turn off completely, but which allows you to vary the
amount of water coming out. The only difference is that a transistor can
actually amplify the output, in addition to attenuating it. The volume control knob on a
sound system is a great example of a transistor.

Question 4:  Explain Moore’s law. 

- Moore’s Law principle states that since the number of transistors on a silicon
chip roughly doubles every two years, the performance and capabilities of
computers will continue to increase while the price of computers decreases. It
is a prediction made by American engineer Gordon Moore in 1965. Gordon
E. Moore predicted that components on an integrated circuit (IC) would
increase twice yearly. Moore describes that at first, it was just an observation,
an attempt to predict that this would be a way to make electronics cheaper.
However, the industries worked out on a continuous rate of improvement, and
various technology nodes come along regularly to keep up with the
advancements. Therefore, all the business players recognized that if they don’t
move that fast, they will fall behind the technology, thus pushing the growth
further and faster.

Question 5: List and explain the key characteristics of a computer family. 

The key characteristics of a computer family are:

-Similar or identical instruction set: The computer family uses the


same instruction set architecture (ISA) for all its members.
-Similar or identical operating system: The computer family supports
the same operating system, making it easier to write software that can
run on multiple members of the family.
-Increasing speed: The computer family members are released with
increasing processing speeds.
-Increasing number of I/O ports: The computer family members have
an increasing number of I/O ports, allowing more devices to be
connected to the computer.
-Increasing memory size: The computer family members have
increasing memory size, allowing larger amounts of data to be
processed.
Question 6: What is the key distinguishing feature of a microprocessor?What is the
key distinguishing feature of a microprocessor?
- The key distinguishing feature of a microprocessor is its integrated nature – the way
it combines several different circuits into a single package and all of components of
CPU are on a single chip. Having the essential components in one device makes
digital equipment – including computers – smaller and more efficient.
Microprocessors are available in 8 bit, 16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit architectures. This bit size
indicates the size of the data, the processor can handle and the scope of the memory
the processor can address during its operation.

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