1.1 System Architecture Recall

What is a general purpose computer?

• A computer that performs a specific task, built into a larger device

• A computer that performs a wide range of tasks

• A computer that only runs games

• A computer that is used only for scientific calculations

What is an embedded system?

• A computer that performs a wide range of tasks

• A computer that is used for gaming

• A computer that performs a specific task, built into a larger device

• A computer that is used only for educational purposes

What is the primary function of a thermostat in an embedded system?

• To brew coffee

• To control room temperature

• To play music

• To secure the home

What is the main purpose of the CPU in a computer system?

• To store data permanently

• To manage network connections

• To perform the fetch-decode-execute cycle

• To provide power to the system

What does the FDE Cycle work between?

• CPU and hard drive

• CPU and memory (RAM)

• CPU and graphics card

• CPU and power supply

What are the three main stages of the CPU cycle?

• Fetch, Decode, Execute

• Start, Process, End

• Input, Output, Process

• Load, Run, Stop

During the Fetch stage, where does the CPU get the next instruction from?

• Hard drive

• Main memory (RAM)

• Cache

• Input device

What does the CPU do with the instruction after fetching it from the main memory?

• Deletes it

• Sends it to the printer

• Brings it back into the CPU for decoding

• Stores it in the cloud

What is the purpose of the Decode Stage in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?

• To execute the instruction

• To store the instruction

• To inspect/decode the instruction

• To fetch the instruction

How many times per second does the fetch-decode-execute cycle occur on a modern CPU?

• Millions of times

• Billions of times

• Thousands of times

• Hundreds of times