Exam code: H446
A team of programmers create a robot that will be used in a factory. The robot will be able to do the work of multiple humans.
The programmers discuss whether to write the instructions for the robot in assembly language or a high-level language.
The robot uses a multi-core processor.
The programmers assume that this means that the robot will execute programs more quickly than using a single core processor.
Explain why this assumption is not always true
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The robot uses a multi-core processor. The programmers assume that this means that the robot will execute programs more quickly than using a single core processor.
Give one reason why this assumption can sometimes be true.
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OCR Insurance uses a computer system to calculate the price that customers pay for car insurance.
The computer system contains a CPU, GPU, RAM and ROM
Describe one non-graphical use OCR Insurance may have for a GPU.
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Explain two benefits and one limitation of using multicore processors for real-time applications such as graphics rendering
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A charity uses a desktop computer to record financial donations that it receives. The computer contains a single core, 2.4GHz processor with 2MB cache.
The charity has several desktop computers in their office that use a CISC processor. They are considering buying mobile devices for their staff to use when they are not in the office.
Discuss whether these mobile devices should use the same CISC processors that are used in their desktop computers or if they should use a RISC processor instead.
You should include the following in your answer:
the difference between each processor type
the suitability of each processor type for mobile devices
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Discuss the use of GPUs for tasks beyond graphical processing.
Include examples and evaluate their benefits and limitations.
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Evaluate the benefits and challenges of parallel processing in multicore processors, and assess its suitability for machine learning tasks.
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A computer system is used to run multiple independent applications at the same time, such as video streaming, file compression, and background virus scanning.
Explain why a multicore processor is suitable for this workload.
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A scientific simulation is designed to run on a parallel processing system.
However, some parts of the simulation must be completed in a fixed order.
Explain why these parts of the program cannot fully benefit from parallel processing.
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A system is used to render high-resolution 3D graphics for a video game.
Explain how the use of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) improves performance compared to using only a general-purpose CPU.
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A manufacturer is choosing a processor architecture for a battery-powered mobile device.
Evaluate whether a RISC processor or a CISC processor would be more suitable for this device.
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