What Are The Features Of CPU

Features of CPU

Various features that the Central Processing Unit of a PC offers are as under:

1. The clock speed is the speed at which the processor executes instructions. Clock speed is measured in megahertz (MHz)-which is a million cycles per second. Higher the clock’s speed, the faster the processor, the better the system performance.

2. Processors incorporate their own internal cache memory. The cache acts as temporary memory and boosts processing power significantly.

Additionally, PCs also include a much slower secondary, or Level Two (L2) cache. This cache resides on the motherboard.

3. The CPUs architecture determines the manner in which it processes data. New CPUs employ multi-staged pipelines for transmitting data. To ensure proper data flow through these lines, the CPU includes a kind of prediction and error correction mechanism.

4. Different processors use different sockets or slots to fit onto the motherboard.

5. A CPU is made up of millions of small transistors.

6. A CPJ performs all the calculation and manipulation operations by synchronising between the transistors. Therefore the shorter the distance between two transistors on a CPU, the faster the performance.

7. Older CPUs had a distance of one micron between the transistors, 0.3.5 micron between two transistors delivering faster performance.

8. MMX stands for Multimedia Extensions a set of instructions built in to the CPU, specifically intended for improving the performance of multimedia or graphic applications- mainly games.

9. CPU generates lots of heat when in operation. If the CPU is not cooled properly, then it might lead to all sort errors. Therefore, the CPU is usually covered by a heat sink and a small cooling fan.

Define the following: (i) Assembler, (ii) Compiler, (iii)

Interpreter.

(i) Assembler

It is a system software supplied by computer manufacturers. It translates an assembly language program into its equivalent machine language program for its execution. It is so called because in addition to translating, it also “assembles” the machine language program in main memory of the computer, and makes it ready for execution.

(ii) Complier

It is a translator program (much more complex than an assembler is) that translates a high-level language program into its equivalent machine language program. It is so called because it compiles a set of machine language instructions for every program instruction of a high-level language. These are large programs residing permanently on secondary storage. These can also detect and indicate syntax errors in source programs automatically. But, these cannot detect logical errors.

(iii) Interpreter

It is another type of translator used to convert a high level language program into its equivalent machine language program. It takes one statement of the high-level language program, translates it into machine language instructions, and then executes the resulting machine language instructions immediately. This differs from a compiler that merely translates the entire source program into an object program and is not involved in its execution. These are easier to write because they are less complex programs than compilers. They also require less memory space for execution than compilers require. It makes easier and faster corrections in the program. But, they are slower than compilers when running a finished program.

Assemblers, compilers and interpreters are also referred to as language processors since they are used for processing language instructions,

Important Link

Disclaimer: chronobazaar.com is created only for the purpose of education and knowledge. For any queries, disclaimer is requested to kindly contact us. We assure you we will do our best. We do not support piracy. If in any way it violates the law or there is any problem, please mail us on chronobazaar2.0@gmail.com