Functions and
characteristics of CPU
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Lesson Objectives
Students will learn about:
▪ Components of a CPU
▪ What factors affect the performance of a CPU
▪ Embedded computers
▪ Advantages of embedded computers over general purpose
systems
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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
Executes step-by-step instruction using the
CPU
fetch-decode-execute cycle
Stores program operations and data during the
Memory execution cycle of a program. Registers, cache, RAM
and virtual memory are few examples of memory
Stores program files and data even when not in use.
Storage Hard drives, SD cards, USB memory disk and CD are
a few examples of storage.
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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
▪ When the number of cores is
increased, the communication 1 core 2 cores 3 cores
channels between the cores No channel 1 channel 3 channels
also use up some of the speed.
▪ Hence, increasing the number
of cores four times will not
increase the speed of
4 cores 5 cores
computer of the computer four 6 channels 10 channels
times.
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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
▪ Cache is a small memory part located closer to CPU when compared to
RAM.
▪ Cache temporarily holds the data and instruction that the CPU is likely to
use more frequently.
▪ To reduce the access time, the control unit checks cache first before
requesting any instruction from RAM or main memory.
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Accessing cache memory
▪ Due to the presence of
cache, the speed of the Requesting If data is not
CPU increases. data in cache
Main
▪ As the cache is near to CPU Cache
memory
CPU, it is faster to use a Data sent Data copied
cache when compared to CPU to cache
to RAM.
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Embedded system
▪ Embedded systems are designed to
perform a dedicated function within a
large mechanical or electrical system.
▪ For example: MP3 players, digital
cameras and GPS tracker.
▪ A computer embedded point-of-sale
billing system is also an example.
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Embedded systems
▪ An embedded system is programmed during its manufacturing stage.
▪ Users operate these devices using interfaces such as buttons or
touchscreens provided.
▪ Embedded systems are more reliable when compared to general
purpose computers.
▪ This is due to the specialised hardware and dedicated software designed
specifically for a particular function.
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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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Let’s review some concepts
Core Clock rate
Each processing unit of CPU is known Clock rate indicates the number of
as core. instructions processed by a CPU in
a second.
Embedded computers Processor types
Embedded computers are designed to The two main types of computer
perform a dedicated function within a processors are: Complex Instruction
large mechanical or electrical system. Set Computing (CISC) and Reduced
Instruction Set Computing (RISC).
Examples: MP3 player, digital camera
and wearable gadgets
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Activity-1
Duration: 15 minutes
1. Make a list of devices that use embedded systems.
2. Discuss with a partner and find out the differences between an
embedded computer and a general purpose system.
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End of topic questions
1. Why does increasing the number of cores does not increase the
speed of CPU?
2. How does clock speed affect the performance of CPU?
3. What is cache? How does it reduce the access time for data
request?
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End of topic questions
5. What type of processor is used for laptop? Why?
6. Name some embedded devices that are helpful in the daily lives
of physically disabled.
