Topic pathway
Systems Architecture
CPU architecture, performance, embedded systems, and core hardware concepts.
Exam-board information
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Specification section
Architecture of the CPU
CPU components, registers, buses, and the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
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Lesson 01
Inside the CPU
Describe the purpose of the CPU.
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Lesson 02
CPU Registers and the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
Describe fetch, decode and execute in the correct order.
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Lesson 03
The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
Order the fetch, decode and execute stages.
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Lesson 04
CPU Registers and Buses
Explain the purpose of the PC.
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Lesson 05
CPU Architecture Exam Practice
Apply CPU architecture knowledge to unfamiliar questions and diagrams.
Specification section
CPU Performance
Clock speed, cache, cores, and how CPU performance is affected.
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Lesson 01
Clock Speed, Cores and Cache
Describe clock speed, processor cores and cache accurately.
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Lesson 02
Choosing CPU Upgrades
Identify relevant CPU requirements from a user scenario.
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Lesson 03
CPU Performance Misconceptions
Identify common CPU performance misconceptions.
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Lesson 04
What Makes a CPU Faster?
Explain how clock speed can affect CPU performance.
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Lesson 05
Cache, Cores and Clock Speed in Context
Explain how clock speed can affect CPU performance.
Specification section
Embedded Systems
Computer systems built into larger devices for specific tasks.
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Lesson 01
Embedded Systems in Everyday Devices
Define an embedded system accurately.
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Lesson 02
General Purpose vs Embedded Systems
Distinguish general-purpose and embedded systems.
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Lesson 03
Embedded Systems in the Real World
Define what an embedded system is.