Computer performance & Embedded systems
What are the 2 methods that we can input data to the embedded system?
1. Manually (ex: through dialpad or keypad) 2. Automatically (ex: through sensors )
What is an operation made up of?
1. Opcode (inform CPU what operations has to be done) 2. Operand (data which needs to be acted on ) / (refers to register in the memory)
Drawbacks of embedded system
> Maybe difficult to upgrade the device > faults in the device is very hard to repair > can sometimes be more complicated > Hackers, viruses have access due internet connection > Most of them are discarded and wasted due to difficulty in upgrading and becoming out of date
Benefits of embedded system
> They are small and easy to fit into devices > They are relatively cheap to make > They only do 1 task, allowing simple interfaces > They consume very little power > Very fast reaction to changing input > Reliable because of mass production
What are the factors that determines the performance of CPU?
> Width of the address bus and data bus (can carry more data in one go) > Overclocking (may lead to overheating & unsynchronization if not used in the intended way) > Cache memory (faster access to memory than RAM) > Numbers of cores (doesn't necessarily multiply performance) (These factors should all be increased to increase performance)
What is a microcontroller?
A single chip containing CPU, RAM, ROM & other peripherals. (which together carry out a specific task)
Examples of embedded systems
Cars, Set-top box, washing machine, vending machine, lighting systems
What is SoC (System on a Chip)?
It is a microchip which contains CPU, memory, I/O ports & secondary storage. (sometimes contain microcontroller)
What is the embedded system made up of?
Microcontroller, Microprocessor, SoC (System on Chip)
Is computer an example of embedded system?
NO. Since they carry out more than 1 task
Difference between Program & Instruction
Programs are a set of instructions, Instructions are a set of actions for the computer processor to do
What is an instruction set?
When a limited number of opcodes are used due to the CPU not handling all of it
What is an embedded system?
a combination of hardware and software, designed to carry out a specific set of functions
What is a microprocessor?
an integrated circuit which only has CPU on the chip to do processes.
