Computer Arch 2
Computer Arch 2
characteristics of CPU
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Lesson Objectives
Components of computer
hardware
▪ A computer consists of various hardware components that act
as input, processing unit and output.
▪ The essential hardware components of a computer are CPU
and memory, which work together to run programs.
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Component Function
Processing speed of
computer
▪ Depends on the speeds of CPU, memory and bus speed.
▪ Speed of one of these affects the speed of other components
too.
▪ The performance of a computer is assessed using a test called
benchmarking.
▪ Depending upon the application of the computer, various
benchmarking software are available to test it.
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Performance of CPU
The four important factors that affect the performance of CPU are:
▪ Cores
▪ Clock rate
▪ Cache size
▪ Processor type
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Cores
▪ A CPU consists of multiple processing units. Each processing unit is
known as core.
▪ A core consists of a processor (ALU and CU) and registers.
▪ Computers may be dual (two), quad (four) or even more cores.
▪ As the number of cores increases, the computer has more power to
execute multiple programs at a particular instant of time.
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Cores
Clock rate
▪ Clock rate indicates the number of instructions processed by a CPU in a
second.
▪ It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
▪ A 4 GHz CPU processes about 4 billion instructions a second.
▪ A faster CPU requires more power and thus, heat is generated. This heat
is a form of power loss.
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Clock rate
▪ The speed of computer which is set by default can also be changed using
BIOS.
▪ Increasing the speed of the computer by increasing the CPU clock speed
is called as over-clocking.
▪ A CPU has circuitry limitations regarding the speed. If a computer is
forced to work at a higher speed, more than its limit, the instructions
might not get executed completely. This leads to data corruption and
overheating.
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Cache size
Embedded system
Embedded systems
Embedded systems
▪ As embedded systems are dedicated for a particular cost, its size is reduced and
performance is improved.
▪ The software in these systems are also dedicated for a single function.
▪ User will not be able to modify the program. User can only interact with the
embedded system using the buttons provided or a touch screen.
▪ Embedded systems are robust and reliable when compared to general purpose
systems. This is due to its dedicated functionality.
▪ Embedded systems are low-power devices. It is also low cost and hence, are
advantageous in large scale productions. For example: controller of washing
machine panel, television, etc.
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Activity-1
Duration: 15 minutes