← Computer Science syllabus

EnglandComputer Science

1.1 Systems architecture

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the processor fetch and carry out a program instruction?

The purpose of the CPU and the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the von Neumann architecture, and the function of common CPU components (ALU, CU, cache, registers including the MAR, MDR, Program Counter and Accumulator).
An OCR J277 1.1.1 answer on the purpose of the CPU, the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the von Neumann architecture, and the function of the ALU, control unit, cache and the named registers (MAR, MDR, Program Counter, Accumulator).
10 min answer →

What makes one CPU faster than another?

How clock speed, the number of cores, and cache size and type affect the performance of the CPU.
An OCR J277 1.1.2 answer on how clock speed, the number of cores, and cache size and type each affect CPU performance, with worked reasoning on why doubling cores does not double speed.
9 min answer →

What is an embedded system and how does it differ from a general-purpose computer?

The purpose and characteristics of embedded systems, with examples, and how they differ from general-purpose computer systems.
An OCR J277 1.1 answer on embedded systems: what they are, their characteristics (dedicated function, low cost, low power, small size), examples, and how they differ from general-purpose computers.
8 min answer →