Computer hardware is the physical components that make up a... Show more
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Von Neumann Architecture and Embedded Systems
This page covers the Von Neumann architecture and introduces the concept of embedded systems.
Von Neumann Architecture
The Von Neumann architecture, also known as the stored program concept, is a fundamental principle in computer design.
Definition: The stored program concept is the idea that both instructions and data can be stored together in the same memory.
Key components of the Von Neumann architecture include:
- Input device
- Central Processing Unit Control unit Arithmetic logic unit Registers
- Memory unit
- Output device
Embedded Systems
Definition: An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system.
Characteristics of embedded systems:
- Built into a specific device or appliance
- Designed for a particular task
- Often have real-time computing constraints
Example: A microwave timer is an example of an embedded system.
Uses of Embedded Systems:
- Monitoring and controlling various components in devices and machines
- Providing specific functionality within a larger system
Highlight: Embedded systems are ubiquitous in modern technology, found in everything from household appliances to industrial machinery.
Review Questions on Computer Hardware
This page provides a set of review questions to test understanding of the concepts covered in the previous sections.
- According to the von Neumann architecture, state the two items held in RAM.
- Describe how data is stored on optical media.
- Identify the type of secondary storage that stores data as electric charges.
- Name the hardware component that carries instructions from memory to the CPU.
- Explain why a higher clock speed within a CPU is desirable.
- Identify a bus that is unidirectional.
- Describe how an embedded system using a sensor could control car windscreen wipers.
- Explain the method of data storage on magnetic media.
- Detail the roles of the control unit, control bus, data bus, and address bus in fetching an instruction from memory.
- Specify the type of main memory used to store a computer's startup process.
Highlight: These questions cover a range of topics including memory types, storage methods, CPU components, and embedded systems. They are designed to reinforce key concepts and test comprehension of the material covered in this computer hardware revision notes pdf.
Example: For question 7, consider how a rain sensor could detect moisture and signal the embedded system to activate the wipers at an appropriate speed.
Vocabulary: Terms like "unidirectional" refer to data flow in one direction only, which is important in understanding bus types in computer architecture.
Hardware Components and Concepts
This page introduces fundamental hardware components and concepts in computer systems.
What is Hardware? Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. These tangible parts work together to enable the functioning of a computer.
Types of Memory
Read-Only Memory :
- Non-volatile memory that retains data when power is off
- Stores boot sequences and BIOS
Definition: ROM is a type of computer memory that can only be read from, not written to. It retains its contents even when the power is turned off.
Random Access Memory :
- Volatile memory that loses data when power is off
- Stores currently running programs and frequently used data
- Includes cache for most used programs
Example: The operating system software is typically loaded into RAM when the computer starts up.
Registers:
- Very fast memory used for temporary data storage within the CPU
Storage Types
Magnetic Storage:
- Uses different types of magnetization to represent data
- Magnetized points indicate '1', demagnetized points indicate '0'
- Examples: Hard drives, floppy disks, cassette tapes
Solid State Storage:
- Uses electric current to move electrons
- Data is represented by the arrangement of these electrons
- Examples: USB drives, MicroSD cards, SSDs
Optical Storage:
- Uses patterns of marks on a surface
- A laser detects pits to read data
- Examples: CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs
CPU Components and Functions
Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle:
- Fetch: CPU retrieves instructions from RAM
- Decode: CPU interprets instructions into recognizable commands
- Execute: CPU carries out the commands
Control Unit:
- Executes instructions and controls data flow
Arithmetic Logic Unit :
- Performs calculations and logical operations
Data Transfer Components
Data Bus:
- Carries the actual data being transferred
Address Bus:
- Contains the location information for data
Control Bus:
- Sends control signals to manage data flow
Highlight: Understanding these hardware components and their functions is crucial for grasping how computers process and store information.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Computer Hardware & CPU: Free Revision Notes PDF
Computer hardware is the physical components that make up a computer system. This guide covers key concepts in computer hardware, including memory types, storage methods, CPU components, and embedded systems.
- Random Access Memory (RAM)stores running programs and frequently used... Show more
Von Neumann Architecture and Embedded Systems
This page covers the Von Neumann architecture and introduces the concept of embedded systems.
Von Neumann Architecture
The Von Neumann architecture, also known as the stored program concept, is a fundamental principle in computer design.
Definition: The stored program concept is the idea that both instructions and data can be stored together in the same memory.
Key components of the Von Neumann architecture include:
- Input device
- Central Processing Unit Control unit Arithmetic logic unit Registers
- Memory unit
- Output device
Embedded Systems
Definition: An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system.
Characteristics of embedded systems:
- Built into a specific device or appliance
- Designed for a particular task
- Often have real-time computing constraints
Example: A microwave timer is an example of an embedded system.
Uses of Embedded Systems:
- Monitoring and controlling various components in devices and machines
- Providing specific functionality within a larger system
Highlight: Embedded systems are ubiquitous in modern technology, found in everything from household appliances to industrial machinery.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Review Questions on Computer Hardware
This page provides a set of review questions to test understanding of the concepts covered in the previous sections.
- According to the von Neumann architecture, state the two items held in RAM.
- Describe how data is stored on optical media.
- Identify the type of secondary storage that stores data as electric charges.
- Name the hardware component that carries instructions from memory to the CPU.
- Explain why a higher clock speed within a CPU is desirable.
- Identify a bus that is unidirectional.
- Describe how an embedded system using a sensor could control car windscreen wipers.
- Explain the method of data storage on magnetic media.
- Detail the roles of the control unit, control bus, data bus, and address bus in fetching an instruction from memory.
- Specify the type of main memory used to store a computer's startup process.
Highlight: These questions cover a range of topics including memory types, storage methods, CPU components, and embedded systems. They are designed to reinforce key concepts and test comprehension of the material covered in this computer hardware revision notes pdf.
Example: For question 7, consider how a rain sensor could detect moisture and signal the embedded system to activate the wipers at an appropriate speed.
Vocabulary: Terms like "unidirectional" refer to data flow in one direction only, which is important in understanding bus types in computer architecture.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Hardware Components and Concepts
This page introduces fundamental hardware components and concepts in computer systems.
What is Hardware? Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. These tangible parts work together to enable the functioning of a computer.
Types of Memory
Read-Only Memory :
- Non-volatile memory that retains data when power is off
- Stores boot sequences and BIOS
Definition: ROM is a type of computer memory that can only be read from, not written to. It retains its contents even when the power is turned off.
Random Access Memory :
- Volatile memory that loses data when power is off
- Stores currently running programs and frequently used data
- Includes cache for most used programs
Example: The operating system software is typically loaded into RAM when the computer starts up.
Registers:
- Very fast memory used for temporary data storage within the CPU
Storage Types
Magnetic Storage:
- Uses different types of magnetization to represent data
- Magnetized points indicate '1', demagnetized points indicate '0'
- Examples: Hard drives, floppy disks, cassette tapes
Solid State Storage:
- Uses electric current to move electrons
- Data is represented by the arrangement of these electrons
- Examples: USB drives, MicroSD cards, SSDs
Optical Storage:
- Uses patterns of marks on a surface
- A laser detects pits to read data
- Examples: CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs
CPU Components and Functions
Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle:
- Fetch: CPU retrieves instructions from RAM
- Decode: CPU interprets instructions into recognizable commands
- Execute: CPU carries out the commands
Control Unit:
- Executes instructions and controls data flow
Arithmetic Logic Unit :
- Performs calculations and logical operations
Data Transfer Components
Data Bus:
- Carries the actual data being transferred
Address Bus:
- Contains the location information for data
Control Bus:
- Sends control signals to manage data flow
Highlight: Understanding these hardware components and their functions is crucial for grasping how computers process and store information.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user