What is the main characteristic of Von Neumann architecture?
A Single memory
B Cache memory
C Dual memory
D Multiple cores
Von Neumann architecture uses a single memory space to store both data and instructions. This is different from Harvard architecture, which uses separate memory for data and instructions, allowing for parallel access.
Which component of the CPU performs arithmetic and logical operations?
A Register
B ALU
C Cache
D CU
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible for performing arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction, as well as logical operations like AND, OR, and NOT. It is a key component in processing data.
What does the Control Unit (CU) manage in the CPU?
A Data transfers
B Register storage
C Instruction execution
D Memory operations
The Control Unit (CU) coordinates the execution of instructions in the CPU by directing the flow of data between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. It ensures the proper sequence of operations for program execution.
What is the main advantage of RISC architecture?
A Complex instructions
B High clock speed
C Large register set
D Simple instructions
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) uses a small set of simple instructions, which can be executed more quickly. This leads to faster processing compared to CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing), which uses more complex instructions.
What is the primary function of cache memory?
A Manage instruction flow
B Store data permanently
C Store frequently accessed data
D Control CPU operations
Cache memory stores frequently used data and instructions, allowing the CPU to access them quickly without needing to fetch them from slower main memory, thus improving overall system performance.
Which type of memory is volatile?
A RAM
B SSD
C ROM
D HDD
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off. It is used for temporarily storing data and instructions that are actively used by the CPU.
What does paging in memory management help to avoid?
A Power loss
B Fragmentation
C Data corruption
D Program crashes
Paging divides memory into fixed‐size blocks, or pages, which allows for non‐contiguous memory allocation. This helps avoid fragmentation by ensuring that free memory is used efficiently and effectively.
How does a multi‐core processor improve system performance?
A By using larger memory
B By reducing power usage
C By increasing clock speed
D By using multiple processing units
A multi‐core processor contains multiple cores that can process tasks in parallel. This enables the CPU to handle more instructions simultaneously, improving performance for tasks such as multitasking and parallel computing.
What is a primary use of Direct Memory Access (DMA)?
A Handle errors
B Store data
C Transfer data without CPU involvement
D Process input data
DMA allows peripherals to transfer data directly to and from memory without involving the CPU. This frees up CPU resources for other tasks and speeds up data transfer, particularly for high‐volume operations like disk I/O.
What does the term “virtual memory” refer to?
A A memory expansion technique
B Memory stored on disk
C Non‐volatile storage
D Cache memory
Virtual memory allows the system to use disk space as if it were additional RAM, enabling programs to run even when there isn’t enough physical memory. It helps manage larger datasets by swapping data in and out of memory.
What does pipelining in CPU architecture improve?
A Memory access
B Instruction throughput
C CPU speed
D Data storage
Pipelining allows multiple instructions to be processed in overlapping stages. This improves instruction throughput by making better use of the CPU’s resources and reducing the time needed to complete a sequence of instructions.
Which of the following is a feature of CISC architecture?
A High parallelism
B Fast execution speed
C Large instruction set
D Simple instructions
CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) uses a larger and more complex set of instructions, allowing the CPU to perform multiple operations with a single instruction. This contrasts with RISC, which uses simpler, faster instructions.
How does the bus architecture facilitate communication in a computer system?
A Controls memory access
B Provides power
C Manages processing
D Transfers data and control signals
The bus architecture provides a set of communication pathways for transferring data, addresses, and control signals between the CPU, memory, and other peripherals. It ensures proper data flow within the computer system.
What is the purpose of microprogramming in computer architecture?
A Control the CPU’s operations
B Optimize memory
C Perform high‐level tasks
D Store data temporarily
Microprogramming defines a set of micro‐operations that control the CPU’s behavior at the hardware level. It allows complex machine instructions to be broken down into simpler steps, improving the efficiency and flexibility of the processor.
What is the purpose of an interrupt in a computer system?
A Manage memory
B Control data flow
C Pause current tasks
D Store instructions
Interrupts allow the CPU to temporarily pause its current task to address a higher‐priority task. This ensures that critical operations, such as hardware interactions or error handling, are given immediate attention.