Podcast
Questions and Answers
What register stores the address of the next instruction to be executed in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?
What register stores the address of the next instruction to be executed in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?
Program Counter (PC)
Outline the key difference between the Von Neumann and Harvard architectures concerning memory and buses.
Outline the key difference between the Von Neumann and Harvard architectures concerning memory and buses.
Von Neumann architecture uses a single memory space and bus for both instructions and data, while the Harvard architecture uses separate memories and buses.
Explain how increasing the clock speed of a processor typically affects its performance.
Explain how increasing the clock speed of a processor typically affects its performance.
Increasing clock speed generally leads to faster instruction execution, as more operations can be performed per unit of time.
Describe the role of cache memory in enhancing processor performance.
Describe the role of cache memory in enhancing processor performance.
How do multicore processors improve computational efficiency compared to single-core processors?
How do multicore processors improve computational efficiency compared to single-core processors?
Explain the concept of SIMD and provide an example of a task where it would be particularly effective.
Explain the concept of SIMD and provide an example of a task where it would be particularly effective.
Describe a scenario where a Harvard architecture might be preferred over a Von Neumann architecture.
Describe a scenario where a Harvard architecture might be preferred over a Von Neumann architecture.
Explain how defragmentation of a hard drive can improve overall system performance.
Explain how defragmentation of a hard drive can improve overall system performance.
A program exhibits poor performance despite running on a multicore processor. What factors might explain this?
A program exhibits poor performance despite running on a multicore processor. What factors might explain this?
Imagine a CPU design where increasing the clock speed also proportionally increases heat output. Describe a strategy to optimize performance without causing thermal throttling. What are the limitations of this strategy?
Imagine a CPU design where increasing the clock speed also proportionally increases heat output. Describe a strategy to optimize performance without causing thermal throttling. What are the limitations of this strategy?
Flashcards
Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) Cycle
Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) Cycle
The cycle a processor uses to execute instructions: Fetch, Decode, Execute.
Von Neumann Architecture
Von Neumann Architecture
Stores instructions and data in a single memory; simpler design but potential bottlenecks.
Harvard Architecture
Harvard Architecture
Separates instructions and data into distinct memories, allowing faster processing.
Clock Speed
Clock Speed
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Number of Cores
Number of Cores
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Cache
Cache
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SIMD
SIMD
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Distributed Systems
Distributed Systems
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Study Notes
- The Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycle outlines how a processor carries out instructions.
Fetch
- The Program Counter (PC) holds the address of the forthcoming instruction.
- This address is transmitted to the Memory Address Register (MAR).
- The instruction is retrieved into the Memory Data Register (MDR).
- The PC is incremented to reference the subsequent instruction.
Decode
- The instruction is moved to the Current Instruction Register (CIR).
- The Control Unit interprets the instruction into opcode (operation) and operand (data/address).
Execute
- The decoded instruction is executed, potentially updating the Accumulator (ACC) or other registers.
- If the instruction includes a branch or jump, the PC is modified accordingly.
Von Neumann Architecture
- Instructions and data are stored together in a single memory location.
- Features a simpler design.
- It has a shared bus that can lead to bottlenecks.
Harvard Architecture
- It separates instructions and data into different memories with independent buses.
- It is faster but more complex and expensive.
Contemporary Architectures
- Combine aspects of both Von Neumann and Harvard architectures.
- Uses separate caches for improved performance.
Clock Speed
- Higher clock speeds result in quicker execution.
- Each processor activity starts on a clock pulse.
- Measured in Hertz (Hz).
Number of Cores
- Multicore processors enable parallel instruction execution.
- Each core has its own FDE cycle.
- Performance depends on optimizing software for multi-core utilization.
Cache Size and Speed
- Cache is a compact, fast memory located near or within the CPU.
- Stores frequently used instructions.
- Larger and faster caches enhance access times and overall performance.
Other Factors
- Include more/faster RAM, a dedicated graphics card, or upgrading to secondary storage (e.g., SSD over HDD).
- Defragmenting the hard drive.
- Updating the operating system, or lightweight OS options.
- Ensuring the system is free of viruses or spyware.
Multicore Processors (MIMD)
- Each core processes instructions independently, scalable but software dependent.
SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data)
- Executes the same instruction on multiple data points simultaneously.
- Effective for repetitive tasks like image or video processing.
Distributed Systems
- Multiple processors across different systems work together to execute tasks.
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