Embedded Tech

  What is a CPU? How Does It Work? Table of Contents Introduction What is a CPU? The Three Main Parts of a CPU How the CPU Works Together: The Fetch–Decode–Execute Cycle Everyday Analogy: The Chef in the Kitchen Why the CPU is Important Frequently Asked Questions Interactive Quiz & Thinking Questions Conclusion 1. Introduction We explored the building blocks of technology: hardware, software, and firmware. (👉 Read the previous article here ) Now that you understand those foundations, it’s time to zoom in on the heart and brain of the computer — the CPU (Central Processing Unit). Every time you type a key, open an app, or play a game, the CPU is hard at work behind the scenes. But what exactly is it doing? And how does it “think”? In this article, we’ll break the CPU into its three main parts- the Control Unit, the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and Registers - and explain them with simple analogies, charts, and everyday examples. By the end...

  Hardware, Software, and Firmware: Explained with Simple Examples Table of Contents Introduction What is Hardware? Everyday Example: Remote Control What is Software? Everyday Example: TV What is Firmware? Everyday Example: Mobile Phone Differences Between Hardware, Software, and Firmware How Hardware, Software, and Firmware Work Together Frequently Asked Questions Interactive Quiz & Thinking Questions Conclusion 1. Introduction When you turn on your TV, press a button on your remote, or unlock your phone, you interact with three important components: hardware, software, and firmware. These terms are frequently used in the world of embedded systems and computer architecture, but they can be confusing, especially for beginners. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between hardware, software, and firmware using simple, everyday examples — and we’ll add colorful charts and interactive questions so it’s easier (and more ...

  Understanding the Basic Building Blocks of a Computer Before we dive in, if you are completely new to the subject, you may want to read What is Computer Architecture? A Beginner's Guide 2025 first. It gives a simple overview of how a computer is designed and why these building blocks matter. Computers may look complicated, but deep down they are built on a small set of core parts. These are the CPU, memory, input/output devices, and storage. Once you understand how these pieces fit together the mystery of how computers work becomes much clearer. Table of Contents The CPU – The Brain of the Computer Memory (RAM) – The Short-Term Workspace Input and Output – Communication Between You and the Machine Storage – The Long-Term Memory Comparison Table of CPU, Memory, and Storage How All Parts Work Together Visual Diagrams of Data Flow Frequently Asked Questions 1. The CPU – The Brain of the Computer The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main worke...

In this blog, you will learn about the main distinction between Von Neumann and Harvard architectures, as well as their benefits and drawbacks and practical applications in contemporary embedded systems. Keywords: Computer Architecture,Von Neumann,Harvard,von neumann architecture vs harvard architecture Von Neumann vs Harvard Architecture Introduction Two fundamental processor architectures—the Von Neumann and Harvard architectures—dominate the fields of embedded and general-purpose computing. During designing anything, either from high-performance CPUs or any microcontroller, it is essential to understand their differences. This post will teach you: The essential features of these two architecture. How they manage data paths and memory. Real-world benefits, drawbacks, and common applications. 1. What is the Von Neumann Architecture? Single Memory Space: In this architecture, both Data and Code (instructions) share the same memory. Unified Bus: A single bus that consists of address, da...

Table of Contents Introduction What is computer architecture? Why is Computer Architecture Important? Key Parts of a Computer Hardware vs Software: A Simple Example How Computer Architecture Affects Performance Different Types of Computer Architecture Real-Life Examples of Computer Architecture Conclusion FAQs 1. Introduction When we use computers, phones, or any tech devices, we do not often think about how they work inside. But the way a device is built is most important because it determines how fast it runs, how much it costs, and how long it lasts. One of the key things that makes a device work smoothly is something called computer architecture . This is the way the internal parts of a device are designed and how they work together. In this guide, we will break it down so you can understand it without needing a tech degree. 2. What is Computer Architecture? To put it simply, computer architecture is like the blueprint of a computer. It is how the parts inside your device are arran...

  Core Concept: Cache coherence ensures all CPU cores see consistent data in multi-core systems. This blog explores MESI protocol, snooping vs directory-based systems, real-world analogies, performance tradeoffs, and cutting-edge research in CPU cache architecture.   Keywords: CPU cache architecture MESI protocol multi-core processors snooping vs directory-based cache coherence protocols MOESI MESIF hardware coherency Introduction: Why Coffee Shops Run Smoother Than Computers (Without Cache Coherence) Lets consider your favorite coffee shop during a busy period. There are ten baristas ( CPU cores ) working simultaneously. Each has its own workstation ( local cache ). The shared ingredient station ( main memory/RAM ) holds the milk. Now imagine: Barista A uses the last milk carton and forgets to tell others Barista B reaches for milk and finds none - chaos erupts Barista C changes the vanilla syrup but doesn't update the shared invento...