GCSE J277 Unit 1.

1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

Name:

Specification and learning objectives

By the end of this topic, you will have studied:
• The purpose of the CPU: The fetch-execute cycle
• Common CPU components and their function: ALU, CU, cache, registers
• Von Neumann architecture: MAR, MDR, program counter, accumulator
• How common characteristics affect their performance: Clock speed, cache size, number of cores
• The purpose, characteristics and examples of embedded systems

Resources
We recommend the OCR-endorsed text book from PG Online for use during your GCSE studies.
Craig ‘n’ Dave videos for SLR 1.1
GCSE J277 Unit 1.1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

What actions occur during the fetch-execute cycle? STAGE 3: STAGE 1:

What the central processing unit (CPU) does: ? ?

STAGE 2:

?
STAGE 1: Fetch instructions
During the first stage, the The cpu requests an instruction from main memory
following actions occur:

STAGE 2: Decode instructions

During the second stage, the The CPU's control unit works out what the instruction means
following actions occur:

STAGE 3: Execute instructions

During the third stage, the
The control unit coordinates the execution od the instruction by
following actions occur: sending out signals that tell the CPU what to do. This may include
reading/writing from/to main memory
GCSE J277 Unit 1.1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

About the CPU

The CPU incorporates a small amount of memory called registers.

Memory address
The registers are called:
register
Memory data register Program counter accumulator

Acronym: mar mdr PC ac

Purpose:
Stores the memory
address where data is to
be stored or fetched.
Holds data fetched from
Holds the address of the Holds the results of
or to be written to the
next instruction. calculations.
main memory.

The CPU also includes these components: Arithmetic logic unit Performs calculations – e.g., addition/subtraction, logical decisions, etc.

Control unit Decodes instructions and sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU.

Memory that provides fast access to frequently used instructions and data
CPU Cache memory
without having to go back to the main memory (RAM).
GCSE J277 Unit 1.1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

The von Neumann architecture – an abstracted view

Central Processing Unit (CPU) An explanation of the von Neumann architecture:

data and instructions are both stored in primary memory. instructions

are fetched from memory one at a time and in order the processor
input decodes and executes an instruction, before cycling around to fetch
the next instruction. the cycle continues until no more instructions are
available.

Register

pc ac
output

mar mdr

Storage
devices

Cache

Communication
devices

Memory unit
GCSE J277 Unit 1.1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

Factors affecting the speed of the CPU

Clock speed

Cache size

Number of cores
GCSE J277 Unit 1.1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

Embedded systems

Embedded systems are: An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function. Embedded systems
may also function within a larger system. The systems can be programmable or have a fixed functionality.

Examples of embedded systems:

• Digital cameras.
• Digital wristwatches.
• MP3 players.
• Appliances, such as refrigerators,
washing machines, and microwave
ovens.
• Temperature measurement systems.
• Calculators.
GCSE J277 Unit 1.1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

Assessment Target: Overall grade:

Minimum expectations by the end of this unit

 Learn terms 1-15 from GCSE Level Key Terminology.
 Complete all pages of the workbook.
 Score 80% in the end-of-unit test.

Feedback
Breadth Depth Understanding

 All aspects complete  Excellent level of depth  All work is accurate

 Most aspects complete  Good level of depth  Most work is accurate

 Some aspects complete  Basic level of depth shown  Some work is accurate

 Little work complete  Little depth and detail provided  Little work is accurate

Comment and action Student response

GCSE J277 Unit 1.1 | Systems architecture Craig’n’Dave

Reflection and Revision checklist

Confidence Clarification
 I can explain the purpose and function of the CPU.
 I can describe the fetch-execute cycle.
 I can explain what the Arithmetic Logic Unit is.
 I can explain what the Control Unit is.
 I can explain what the cache is.
 I can explain what is meant by the term register.
 I can explain what the Memory Address Register is in the context of the von Neumann architecture.
 I can explain what the Memory Data Register is in the context of the von Neumann architecture.
 I can explain what the program counter is used for.
 I can explain what the accumulator is used for.
 I can explain how the clock speed affects CPU performance.
 I can explain how the cache size affects CPU performance.
 I can explain how the number of cores affects CPU performance.
 I can explain the purpose of embedded systems.
 I can give examples of embedded systems.
My revision focus: