11 - CPU (Central Processing Unit)
What is the CPU - Central Processing Unit? - answer- The brain of the computer
- It processes the data and completes all the tasks the computer carries out
- At the heart of the CPU is a processor
- Some CPUs have more than 1 processor (dual core, quad core)
- Each processor has its own cache and controller which means they can perform
multiple tasks at the same time, but because they are linked they can perform functions
much faster than a single processor
What is CPU speed? - answer- The CPU undertakes the instructions it receives from
programs in a cycle
- The speed of a CPU is measured i how many cycles it can perform in a second
- 1 cycle per second = 1 hertz
- 1 million cycles per second = 1 megahertz (MHz)
- 1 billion cycles per second = 1 gigahertz (GHz)
- More speed = more instructions per second
- However, more speed = a hotter processor and more power
What is different in mobile CPUs clock speed? - answerThere is a different processor
clock speed. The cooling requirements of any portable device require a processor that
does not create too much heat. Portable processors always have lower clock speeds
than their desktop equivalent as this lowers the amount of heat they produce.
What is different in mobile CPUs size? - answerThe physical size of the portable device
means that there is not much space, so most modern mobile phone processors also
have other components integrated into the processor itself. These components often
include things like wireless networking.
What is different in mobile CPUs power consumption? - answerMobile processors are
also optimised for a very low power consumption.
How many CPUs do mobile devices usually have? - answerMost mobile devices have
at least 2 CPUs
- 1 dedicated processor for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
- A general processor (potentially multi-core) for apps and user interface. This is know
as the application processor or AP
What is the GSM processor? - answer- Referred to as the BP processor due to its
function as a baseband radio processor
What is the CPU - Central Processing Unit? - answer- The brain of the computer
- It processes the data and completes all the tasks the computer carries out
- At the heart of the CPU is a processor
- Some CPUs have more than 1 processor (dual core, quad core)
- Each processor has its own cache and controller which means they can perform
multiple tasks at the same time, but because they are linked they can perform functions
much faster than a single processor
What is CPU speed? - answer- The CPU undertakes the instructions it receives from
programs in a cycle
- The speed of a CPU is measured i how many cycles it can perform in a second
- 1 cycle per second = 1 hertz
- 1 million cycles per second = 1 megahertz (MHz)
- 1 billion cycles per second = 1 gigahertz (GHz)
- More speed = more instructions per second
- However, more speed = a hotter processor and more power
What is different in mobile CPUs clock speed? - answerThere is a different processor
clock speed. The cooling requirements of any portable device require a processor that
does not create too much heat. Portable processors always have lower clock speeds
than their desktop equivalent as this lowers the amount of heat they produce.
What is different in mobile CPUs size? - answerThe physical size of the portable device
means that there is not much space, so most modern mobile phone processors also
have other components integrated into the processor itself. These components often
include things like wireless networking.
What is different in mobile CPUs power consumption? - answerMobile processors are
also optimised for a very low power consumption.
How many CPUs do mobile devices usually have? - answerMost mobile devices have
at least 2 CPUs
- 1 dedicated processor for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
- A general processor (potentially multi-core) for apps and user interface. This is know
as the application processor or AP
What is the GSM processor? - answer- Referred to as the BP processor due to its
function as a baseband radio processor
