The EOU assessment is 60 minutes long. It will not be multiple choice and will require you to answer GCSE-style questions on each of the lessons. Review the example GCSE Exam-Style Questions and Revision Activities below to prepare for the EOU.
CPU Components:
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations and logic operations.
Control Unit: Directs data flow and execution of instructions.
Registers: Small, fast storage areas for temporary data.
Cache: Stores frequently used data for quick access.
Von Neumann Architecture:
Data and instructions share the same memory.
Processed sequentially in a cycle (Fetch-Decode-Execute).
Buses (Data Transfer Pathways):
Data Bus: Moves actual data.
Address Bus: Transfers memory locations.
Control Bus: Sends control signals (read/write).
Stages of the FDE Cycle:
Fetch: CPU retrieves an instruction from memory.
Decode: Control Unit interprets the instruction.
Execute: The instruction is carried out.
Key Registers Involved:
Program Counter (PC): Holds address of the next instruction.
Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds memory address of data/instructions.
Memory Data Register (MDR): Stores fetched data/instruction.
Accumulator (ACC): Stores results of calculations.
Factors Affecting CPU Performance:
Clock Speed: Higher speed = more instructions per second.
Number of Cores: More cores allow multiple tasks at once.
Cache Size: More cache reduces delays from RAM.
Pipelining: Overlapping execution of instructions for efficiency.
Power & Heat Management:
Overclocking increases speed but causes overheating.
Heat sinks and cooling systems manage CPU temperature.
Definition:
A dedicated computer system designed for a specific task.
Found in everyday devices (e.g., washing machines, traffic lights, ATMs).
Components of Embedded Systems:
Microcontroller: Includes CPU, memory, and I/O.
Firmware: Permanent software that controls device functions.
Sensors & Actuators: Collect data and control physical actions.
Comparison with General-Purpose Computers:
Embedded systems: Optimized for efficiency and reliability.
General-purpose computers: Handle multiple applications.
State two components of the CPU and describe their function. (4 marks)
Describe the role of the Program Counter (PC) in the CPU. (2 marks)
Explain why cache memory improves CPU performance. (3 marks)
Compare the roles of the Memory Address Register (MAR) and Memory Data Register (MDR). (4 marks)
Explain the purpose of the Von Neumann architecture. (4 marks)
Describe the three stages of the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle. (6 marks)
Explain the purpose of the Accumulator (ACC) in the CPU. (3 marks)
Explain the difference between the Control Unit and ALU in the CPU. (4 marks)
Outline the role of the Control Bus in the FDE cycle. (3 marks)
A CPU runs the FDE cycle billions of times per second. Explain one method used to increase the speed of processing. (3 marks)
Explain how increasing clock speed affects CPU performance. (3 marks)
Describe how multi-core processors improve CPU performance. (4 marks)
Explain the difference between L1, L2, and L3 cache. (3 marks)
What is pipelining, and how does it improve CPU efficiency? (3 marks)
Overclocking increases a CPU’s clock speed. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of overclocking. (4 marks)
Define an embedded system and give two examples. (3 marks)
Compare an embedded system with a general-purpose computer. (4 marks)
Explain the role of firmware in an embedded system. (3 marks)
Describe the role of sensors and actuators in an embedded system. (4 marks)
Cars use embedded systems for features like Anti-Lock Braking (ABS). Explain how an embedded system improves safety in a car. (3 marks)
Match each CPU component or key term with its correct definition.
ALU
Cache
Program Counter
Registers
Address Bus
Decide if each statement is True or False.
The Control Unit performs arithmetic operations.
Von Neumann architecture stores data and instructions separately.
The Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle is used to process instructions.
Cache memory speeds up processing by storing frequently used data.
Overclocking reduces CPU temperature and power consumption.
What does the ALU stand for?
Name one factor that affects CPU performance.
What is the role of the Control Bus?
Give an example of an embedded system.
Which register holds the address of the next instruction?