The processor
I can explain the purpose of the CPU in a computer system and describe the individual characteristics of its components.
The processor
I can explain the purpose of the CPU in a computer system and describe the individual characteristics of its components.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- von Neumann architecture is a design of a computer system.
- The von Neumann architecture sends and receives instructions.
- The CPU has key components with different characteristics: control unit, arithmetic logic unit, buses, registers, clock.
- The registers in the CPU, each with its own function, are MAR, MDR, CIR, PC, Acc.
Keywords
Computer architecture - the design of a computer system
Control unit - controls the instructions and other components in the processor
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) - calculator in the processor used to handle mathematical and logical operations
Registers - a selection of registers that are very small and fast memory locations in the processor
Common misconception
The CPU is the brain of the computer and understands the instructions received.
The CPU is the core of the computer system and receives instructions that it then executes with the help of the different components.
To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: The processor, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: The processor, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Computer Systems unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Pupils do not require any specific equipment for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
peripheral device
operating system software
security management
user interface
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
directs operations and manages instructions
performs calculations and logic operations
regulates the timing of all CPU activities
holds the address of data to be accessed
temporarily stores data being transferred
holds the instruction currently being executed
keeps track of the address of the next instruction
temporarily stores the results of calculation
carries memory addresses from the CPU to other components
transfers data between CPU and memory
sends control signals to coordinate operations