Embedded Files
Learners should have studied the following:
a) The difference between RAM and ROM
Central processing unit
Central processing unit
Purpose: To fetch and execute instructions.
Components:
- Arithmetic logic unit: performs calculations and logic.
- Control unit: decodes instructions and sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU.
- Cache: fast access memory for frequently used instructions and data.
- Registers: small fast memory used to help fetch and execute instructions.
Factors affecting the speed
Number of cores: independent processing units.
Clock speed: The number of cycles per second.
Cache: Temporary storage of instructions and data.
Random Access Memory (RAM).
Random Access Memory (RAM).
Purpose: A temporary store of instructions and data in use by the CPU for currently executing programs. Programs and data are loaded from the hard disk/solid state storage to RAM for processing.
Volatile: The contents are lost when the power is turned off.
Read/Write: This memory can be read and written to.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Purpose: Holds the first instructions to execute when the computer is first turned on. Also known as the ‘bootstrap’.
Non-Volatile: The contents remains when the power is turned off.
Read only: This memory is read only, and cannot be written to.
More examples in computer systems
Other types of ROM include memory cartridges, such as those used on portable games consoles.
Embedded systems will contain all the program instructions in ROM.
Basic input/output system (BIOS)
Basic input/output system (BIOS)
Purpose: Holds initial settings for the computer used by the first instructions in the ROM.
Non-Volatile: The contents remains when the power is turned off.
Read/Write: This memory can be read from and written to.
The BIOS is stored in a flash memory module.
What is Virtual Memory?
What is Virtual Memory?
Flash Memory
Flash Memory
Flash memory is a non-volatile computer memory that was first invented by Fujio Masuoka in the early 1980s while at Toshiba and introduced to the market in 1984. It was also later developed by Intel Corp. This type of memory is an integrated circuit that does not need continuous power to retain the data, but is a bit more expensive than magnetic storage. Today, flash memory is becoming more popular, and solid-state drives are a practical replacement for large hard drives if you have the extra money.
Flash memory is widely used with car radios, cell phones, digital cameras, PDAs, solid-state drives, and printers.
Have a go at these multiple choice quizzes to see how well you have learnt this topic:
Have a go at these multiple choice quizzes to see how well you have learnt this topic:
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