← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Microprocessor

A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chip. It is only the processor, not the whole computer, and is found in PCs, phones and embedded devices.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 3.1 Computer Architecture — Module 4, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.1 Automated Systems — Module 4, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.2 Robotics — Module 5, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Interactions Between Users, Data and Digital Systems — Module 78

Understanding Microprocessor in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The microprocessor is just the CPU chip. A complete computer also needs memory, storage and input/output devices. Microprocessors act as the CPU in many types of device, from general-purpose computers to embedded systems. A microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC): many tiny components etched onto one piece of silicon. The whole CPU (ALU, control unit and registers) sits on a single chip. Microprocessors are found in PCs, phones and embedded devices such as washing machines. The motherboard connects many parts. The microprocessor is only the CPU chip that sits on it.

Common mistakes: A microprocessor is a CPU built on a single chip, so chips should be 1, not 5. A microprocessor is only the processor, not the whole computer. is_whole_computer should be False.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 204–217) and word search (Modules 189–217).

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Learning
Duo
What is a microprocessor?
A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chipA very small complete computer with RAM and storage inside
Matches
A microprocessor is the whole computer in one box, including RAM, storage and screen
↓
A microprocessor is only the CPU on a single chip. RAM, storage and the screen are separate parts, so it is not the whole computer.
Applying
Meanings
Term
microprocessor
Meaning
A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chip. It is only the processor, not the whole computer, and is found in PCs, phones and embedded devices.
Practice
microprocessor ← CPU ON single_chip
Testing
Gaps
CPU on one chip =
Check Answer
Spots
1cpu = 'microprocessor'
2chips = 5

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Quick Questions

1. What is a microprocessor?
A. A very small complete computer with RAM and storage inside
B. A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chip ✓
A microprocessor is just the CPU on one chip. It is not the whole computer.
2. Which statement about a microprocessor is correct?
A. It is an integrated circuit ✓
B. It is a type of secondary storage
A microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC): many tiny components etched onto one piece of silicon.
3. How many chips does a microprocessor use for the whole CPU?
A. A single chip ✓
B. Many separate chips joined by wires
The whole CPU (ALU, control unit and registers) sits on a single chip.
4. Is a microprocessor the same thing as the whole computer?
A. No, it is only the processor part ✓
B. Yes, it includes the RAM, storage and screen
A computer also needs RAM, storage and input and output devices. The microprocessor is just the CPU.
5. Where can you find a microprocessor?
A. Only in large desktop PCs
B. In a PC, a smartphone and a washing machine ✓
Microprocessors are found in PCs, phones and embedded devices such as washing machines.

Match the Pairs

microprocessor → A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chip
integrated circuit → A tiny set of electronic components etched onto one piece of silicon, the form a microprocessor takes
A microprocessor is only the processor, not the whole computer, because RAM, storage and input/output devices are separate → microprocessor != computer
Microprocessors are found in PCs, phones and embedded devices such as washing machines → microprocessor -> PC, phone, washing machine
A microprocessor is the whole computer in one box, including RAM, storage and screen → A microprocessor is only the CPU on a single chip. RAM, storage and the screen are separate parts, so it is not the whole computer.
A microprocessor is made of many separate chips wired together on a board → A microprocessor is built as one integrated circuit on a single chip, not many separate chips.

Key Term

microprocessor
A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chip. It is only the processor, not the whole computer, and is found in PCs, phones and embedded devices.

Fill in the Blanks

1. CPU on one chip = microprocessor
Hint: Type the term for a CPU built as an integrated circuit on one chip.
2. microprocessor = integrated circuit CPU
Hint: Type the word that describes the kind of circuit a microprocessor is built as.
3. microprocessor = CPU on a single chip
Hint: Type the word for the small piece of silicon that holds the whole CPU.
4. microprocessor != whole computer
Hint: Type the word meaning complete. A microprocessor is only the processor, not the complete computer.
5. Found in: PCs, phones, embedded devices
Hint: Type the kind of device, such as a washing machine controller, that uses a microprocessor for one dedicated task.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A cpu = 'microprocessor'
B chips = 5
C print(cpu, chips)
Line B — A microprocessor is a CPU built on a single chip, so chips should be 1, not 5.
Question 2
A is_ic = True
B is_whole_computer = True
C has_cpu = True
Line B — A microprocessor is only the processor, not the whole computer. is_whole_computer should be False.
Question 3
A places = []
B places.append('PC')
C places.append('phone')
D places.append('paperclip')
Line D — Microprocessors are found in PCs, phones and embedded devices such as microwaves. A paperclip has no microprocessor.
Question 4
A def is_microprocessor(chip):
B if chip.cpu_on_one_chip:
C return True
D return True
Line D — If the CPU is not on a single chip, the part is not a microprocessor, so the function should return False.
Question 5
A cpu_on_chip = False
B ram_on_chip = False
C print('microprocessor')
Line A — A microprocessor is a CPU on a chip, so cpu_on_chip should be True.

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