Course Code 114 Introduction to Computer Science Lecture 4 The PC based Computer Systems Assoc. Prof. Hussam Elbehiery Egypt 2018

PC Development

Bit width

Important Units

IBM and the PC’s success From the very beginning the PC had a standardized and open architecture. It was well-documented and had extensive expansion options. The PC was cheap, simple and robust (but not advanced technology) Clones Clone is a copycat machine. A machine which can do exactly the same things as an original PC (from IBM International Business Machines Corporation), and where the individual components (e. g. the hard disk) could be identical to the original’s. The clone just has another name, or is sold without any name and divided into two groups: Brand name PC’s from IBM, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu-Siemens. Clones, which are built from standard components.

Different types of Machine processors Microprocessor This is a normal CPU (Central Processing Unit). Communication with external devices is achieved via a data bus. All peripheral devices (memory, floppy controller, USB controller, timer,..) are connected to the bus. A microprocessor cannot be operated stand-alone, at the very least it requires some memory and an output device to be useful. Microcontroller A microcontroller already contains all components which allow it to operate stand- alone. It has been designed in particular for monitoring and/or control tasks. It includes memory, various interface controllers, one or more timers, an interrupt controller, and general purpose I/O pins which allow it to directly interface to its environment.  

Mixed-Signal Controller This is a microcontroller which can process both digital and analog signals.   Embedded System A major application area for microcontrollers are embedded systems. As an example, Cell phone, where the controller is included in the device. This is easily recognizable as an embedded system. Embedded Processor The term “embedded processor” is used for high-end devices (32 bits), whereas “controller” is traditionally used for low-end devices (4, 8, 16 bits). Motorola for example files its 32 bit controllers under the term “32-bit embedded processors”.

Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Real-Time System Controllers are frequently used in real-time systems, where the reaction to an event has to occur within a specified time. This is true for many applications in Aerospace, Railroad, or Automotive areas, e.g., for brake-by-wire in cars.   Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Signal processors are used for applications that need to — no surprise here — process signals. An important area of use is telecommunications, so your mobile phone will probably contain a DSP. Such processors are designed for fast addition and multi- application, which are the key operations for signal processing. Since tasks which call for a signal processor may also include control functions, many vendors offer hybrid solutions which com- bine a controller with a DSP on one chip, like Motorola’s DSP56800.

Data exchange on the motherboard The motherboard is a large printed circuit board, which has lots of chips, connectors and other electronics mounted on it. Data exchange on the motherboard

The motherboard is the hub of all data exchange

Components of the motherboard Chips The chips have various functions: ROM chips, which store the BIOS and other programs. CMOS storage, which contains user-defined data used by the setup program. The chipset, which normally consists of two, so-called controllers, which incorporate a number of very essential functions.   Sockets These are holders, which have been soldered to the motherboard. RAM modules Expansion cards, also called adapters (PCI, AGP, etc.).

Plugs, connectors and port The motherboard contains a number of inputs and outputs, to which various equipment can be connected. Most ports (also called I/O ports) can be seen where they end in a connector at the back of the PC. These are: Ports for the keyboard and mouse. Serial ports, the parallel port, and USB ports. Sockets for speakers/microphone etc.  

CPU Two fundamental components to study on the motherboard: CPU Busses The CPU does all the data processing, and the busses handle all data transfer.

There are three ways to improve a PC’s performance: CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. There can be several processors in a computer, but one of them is the central one – the CPU. The reason the CPU is called a processor is because it can work with data. And it has two important jobs: It can do calculations. It can move data. The CPU is very fast at doing both jobs. The faster the CPU can do calculations and move data, the faster we say the PC is. There are three ways to improve a PC’s performance: Higher clock frequencies (which means more clock ticks per second). Greater bus width. Optimizing the core of the processor and other components so that the maximum amount of work is done for each clock tick.  

CPU Chips In Windows, you can select the System Properties dialog box, where you can see the processor name and clock frequency:

Startup screen for PC. This PC has an Intel Pentium 4, with a clock frequency (work rate) of 2553 MHz.

Some small utility programs which you can download from the Internet (e. g. search for “WCPUID” or “CPU-Z” on Google). The programs WCPUID and CPU-Z, reveals lots of information about your CPU, chipset, etc. They are used by motherboard nerds.

Assoc. Prof. Hussam Elbehiery Thank you With all my best wishes Assoc. Prof. Hussam Elbehiery