CP216 Microprocessors I Final Exam Cheat Sheet:
Computer System Abstraction & Architecture 2025
Wilfrid Laurier University
Slide 3: Computer System (Levels of Abstraction)
● Notes:
○ Describes abstraction levels from hardware to software:
■ Physical Design (transistors)
■ Circuit Design (logic gates)
■ Digital Logic Design (sequential + combinatorial logic)
■ Datapath + Control Design
■ Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
, ■ OS components (driver, loader, etc.)
■ Compiler & Assembler
■ Application level (e.g., browser)
● Diagram: Yes — a hierarchical block diagram showing the different
abstraction layers from electronics to applications.
● Sample Question: List three abstraction layers in a computer system from lowest
to highest.
Slide 4: Anatomy of a Computer (Hardware – CPU)
● Notes:
○ Main component: Processor (CPU)
■ Datapath: Performs computations
■ Includes Registers and ALU
, ■ Registers: Store temporary data
■ ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Does math and logic
■ Control Unit: Directs the datapath, manages execution sequence
● Diagram: None
● Sample Question: What are the functions of the ALU and control unit within the CPU?
Slide 5: Anatomy of a Computer (Hardware – Memory)
● Notes:
○ Memory Types:
■ Cache: Smallest, fastest; stores data for immediate CPU access
■ Main/Primary Memory (RAM): Fast, stores actively used
programs/data
■ Secondary Memory (e.g., Flash): Slower, stores inactive data
long-term
● Diagram: None
● Sample Question: Compare cache memory and secondary storage in terms of
speed and usage.
Slide 6: Anatomy of a Computer (Hardware – I/O Devices)
● Notes:
○ Input/Output Devices:
■ User interface: Monitor, keyboard, mouse
■ Storage: Hard drive, CD/DVD, flash drives
■ Networking: USB, HDMI, etc.
Computer System Abstraction & Architecture 2025
Wilfrid Laurier University
Slide 3: Computer System (Levels of Abstraction)
● Notes:
○ Describes abstraction levels from hardware to software:
■ Physical Design (transistors)
■ Circuit Design (logic gates)
■ Digital Logic Design (sequential + combinatorial logic)
■ Datapath + Control Design
■ Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
, ■ OS components (driver, loader, etc.)
■ Compiler & Assembler
■ Application level (e.g., browser)
● Diagram: Yes — a hierarchical block diagram showing the different
abstraction layers from electronics to applications.
● Sample Question: List three abstraction layers in a computer system from lowest
to highest.
Slide 4: Anatomy of a Computer (Hardware – CPU)
● Notes:
○ Main component: Processor (CPU)
■ Datapath: Performs computations
■ Includes Registers and ALU
, ■ Registers: Store temporary data
■ ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Does math and logic
■ Control Unit: Directs the datapath, manages execution sequence
● Diagram: None
● Sample Question: What are the functions of the ALU and control unit within the CPU?
Slide 5: Anatomy of a Computer (Hardware – Memory)
● Notes:
○ Memory Types:
■ Cache: Smallest, fastest; stores data for immediate CPU access
■ Main/Primary Memory (RAM): Fast, stores actively used
programs/data
■ Secondary Memory (e.g., Flash): Slower, stores inactive data
long-term
● Diagram: None
● Sample Question: Compare cache memory and secondary storage in terms of
speed and usage.
Slide 6: Anatomy of a Computer (Hardware – I/O Devices)
● Notes:
○ Input/Output Devices:
■ User interface: Monitor, keyboard, mouse
■ Storage: Hard drive, CD/DVD, flash drives
■ Networking: USB, HDMI, etc.
