Systems Architecture | OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277)
Systems Architecture
- 46 questions
- 3 subtopics
- J277/01
- J277/01
Systems Architecture is examined in J277/01, Computer systems.
It covers CPU components and the fetch-execute cycle, Factors affecting CPU performance and embedded systems.
Sample questions from Systems Architecture
Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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CPU components and the fetch-execute cycle
What is the role of the Control Unit?
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The Control Unit decodes instructions and sends control signals to coordinate the other parts of the CPU. The CU also controls the flow of data between the CPU and memory. -
CPU components and the fetch-execute cycle
What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) store?
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The MDR holds the data or instruction that has just been read from memory. The MDR also holds data that is waiting to be written to memory. -
Factors affecting CPU performance
What is overclocking?
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Overclocking is running a CPU at a higher clock speed than its manufacturer set. The extra heat can cause crashes or shorten the life of the processor. -
Factors affecting CPU performance
How does having more cores improve performance?
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A multi-core CPU can process several instructions at the same time, one on each core. Several programs, or several parts of one program, can then run simultaneously. -
Embedded systems
Why must many embedded systems be highly reliable?
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Many embedded systems run for years without being restarted or maintained. Some control safety-critical equipment, such as car brakes or pacemakers, where a failure could cause harm. -
Embedded systems
Give two examples of embedded systems in a car.
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A car's anti-lock braking system (ABS) and its engine management system are both embedded systems.
The 3 subtopics
One subtopic is one session. Work down the list.
| Subtopic | What it covers | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| CPU components and the fetch-execute cycle | The purpose of the CPU, the fetch, decode and execute stages, the ALU, Control Unit, cache and registers, Von Neumann architecture, and what the MAR, MDR, Program Counter and Accumulator hold. | 16 |
| Factors affecting CPU performance | Clock speed and a worked GHz figure, overclocking, how cache size and the number of cores affect performance, and why more cores or a faster clock do not always help. | 15 |
| Embedded systems | What embedded systems are and how they differ from general-purpose computers, why they are small, cheap, low-power and reliable, and examples from homes, cars, washing machines and traffic lights. | 15 |
How the guide is worked
Answering a question from memory stores it far better than reading the answer again. The guide runs that as a fixed procedure on one subtopic at a time, about twenty minutes a session.
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Step 1 · Closed book
Cover the answers. Work through one subtopic and write down what you can. Leave blanks where you have nothing.
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Step 2 · Open book
Go back to the top. Read each printed answer and write it out in full, including the ones you had right.
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Step 3 · Closed book again
Same questions, same order, from memory. The gap between pass one and pass three is the session result.
Read the full method, the return schedule and the research behind it.
Nearby topics
OCR GCSE Computer Science Active Recall Guide
Every topic, not just this one. 740 questions with their answers.