1. Hook - 1969 was a famous year for what…..?
What typical Computing Hardware may be inside the Apollo Guidance Computer?
What would be the brains of the Computer?
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

2. Key Questions to consider
What processing power does your computer at home have? Typically?
Are you aware of the processing power of your mobile phone? Tablet?
How is processing power measured?
How powerful is Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) compared the iPhone 6?
To be able to evaluate the impacts of key CPU characteristics upon performance and give examples
To be able to state the functions of the CPU, such as fetch and executing instructions from memory
To be able to describe the purpose of a CPU and identify key characteristics
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

3. LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)
THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
The processor is “the brains of a Computer System”
It Processes Data
Carries out instructions (Executes Them)
Processors have a Clock speed measured in Hertz
Number of Cycles Per Second
PROCESSOR SPEED
Measured in Hertz (Hz)
Typical Speeds have spanned across MHz and GHz
1GHz Processor executes 1 Billion Instructions per second
2GHz Processor executes 2 Billion Instructions Per Second
PROCESSOR CORES
Each processor has a “core” in which instructions are executed.
Processors can be multi-core - Dual Core ,Quad Core or 8 Core. Each core executes instructions independently
Dual Core may execute up to twice as many instructions per second
PROCESSOR – CACHE SIZE
Processors have “Cache” – This is very fast, and usually a very small amount of memory on the processor chip
The Cache acts as an intermediary between the processor and the Main Memory
As programs are executing – the Cache holds commonly used instructions
Key FACTS about the CPU
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

4. What can impact performance?
CLOCK SPEED
Doubling the clock speed will double the number of instructions executed per second.
PC gamers have found ways to ‘overclock’ their processors, so they will run more quickly, but at a higher temperature. This can impact the life and durability of CPUs, as well as required extra cooling.
WHY IMPROVE PERFORMANCE?
Often, people working in areas that depend on computers need far greater processing power than the home user. Often, video editors and games designers need more CPU power to preview and build versions of games. Scientists and mathematicians also required computers to carry out billions of complex calculations, so more power means this can happen more quickly
NUMBER OF PROCESSOR CORES
Quadrupling the number of cores may quadruple the number of instructions executed per second.
Many CPU’s are available to buy which are not only quicker, but have more cores. However, this can come at financial cost
PROCESSOR – CACHE SIZE
Increasing the cache size will reduce the number of memory to disk transfers and thus may speed up processing of these instructions.
CPU’s come with a small amount of cache size built in. This kind or memory is extremely quick, but also very costly
What can impact performance?
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

5. Use the slides to evidence work for each success criteria
Activity 1
Produce an extended piece of writing about what the CPU does, how its performance is measured and how it can be impacted
Find a diagram of a CPU and label the key parts (ALU, CU….)
Use the slides to evidence work for each success criteria
Watch the video and explain the concept of Moore’s Law with examples
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

6. Activity 1 - Bronze
Moore’s Law Video

7. Activity 1 - Silver
Hint – You are looking for the Von Neumann CPU

8. Activity 1 - Gold

9. Activity 2 - Complete the challenges related to processor performance
To be able to evaluate the impacts of key CPU characteristics upon performance and give examples
To be able to state the functions of the CPU, such as fetch and executing instructions from memory
To be able to describe the purpose of a CPU and identify key characteristics
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

10. Types of Computer Systems
A General Purpose System is a Computer System that is made up of both Hardware and Software. This is often known as Firmware. Examples can include games consoles, laptops and tablets
Embedded systems are usually for very specialised tasks, don’t usually contain an Operating System and can’t be ‘updated’. Examples can include, dishwashers, air conditioners and microwaves
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

11. Activity 3 Complete each of the tasks within the success criteria
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of embedded systems. Make a list for revision
Complete each of the tasks within the success criteria
Use the slides provide to produce your evidence
Discuss why we have embedded systems in our lives
Produce a mind map (and images) of embedded systems found around the home
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)

12. Activity 3 - Bronze

13. Activity 3 – Silver / Gold

14. Extensions
Produce FIVE Questions + Mark Scheme related to CPU components, Clock speed, cores and processing speed (Grade 1-5)
Use Resource 1 to study the Apollo 11 Hardware and write a report discussing how the technology has changed over the last years. (Grade 5–9)

15. Extension 1
Exam question
Answer

16. Extension 2

17. LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)
Plenary
Key term
Meaning (YOUR OWN WORDS!)
Processor
MHz
GHz
Hertz
Instruction
Execute
Embedded System
Clock Speed
Cache
Core
LP – to explore the basics of SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (Unit 1)