What is the main purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?
A Store data
B Perform calculations
C Manage memory
D Control operations
The ALU performs both arithmetic (e.g., addition, subtraction) and logical (e.g., AND, OR) operations. It is essential for performing the calculations and decision-making processes required by the CPU during execution.
Which type of memory is directly accessed by the CPU for execution of instructions?
A RAM
B Cache
C ROM
D SSD
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the memory that the CPU accesses directly during instruction execution. It stores data and instructions that are currently in use and provides fast access to the processor.
What is the function of a memory cache in a computer system?
A Store instructions only
B Handle input/output operations
C Speed up data access
D Store permanent data
Cache memory stores frequently accessed data, making it faster for the CPU to retrieve this information. It reduces the time the processor spends fetching data from slower RAM or other storage devices.
In Von Neumann Architecture, what does the CPU fetch from memory?
A Data only
B I/O commands
C Instructions only
D Instructions and data
In Von Neumann Architecture, both instructions and data are stored in the same memory. The CPU fetches instructions to execute and data for processing from this unified memory space.
What is a key characteristic of the Harvard Architecture?
A Faster execution of instructions
B Complex instruction set
C Separate memory for instructions and data
D Single memory for instructions and data
Harvard Architecture uses two separate memories: one for program instructions and one for data. This allows simultaneous access to both, improving performance compared to Von Neumann’s single memory system.
What is the primary advantage of superscalar processing?
A Parallel execution of instructions
B Increased memory capacity
C Simple instruction set
D Lower power consumption
Superscalar processing enables the CPU to execute multiple instructions in parallel. This improves performance by allowing more work to be done in less time, utilizing multiple execution units simultaneously.
What does the term “bus” refer to in a computer system?
A Input device
B Communication pathway
C Power supply
D Data storage unit
A bus is a communication pathway used to transfer data, addresses, and control signals between the CPU, memory, and other components. It facilitates the exchange of information within the computer system.
What is the primary function of the Control Unit (CU) in a CPU?
A Execute program instructions
B Perform arithmetic operations
C Manage data flow
D Store temporary data
The Control Unit (CU) directs the operation of the CPU. It controls the flow of data between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices, ensuring the correct sequence of execution for program instructions.
Which type of memory is considered non-volatile?
A Cache
B RAM
C Register
D Hard Drive
Non-volatile memory, such as hard drives, retains its data even when power is turned off. This makes it suitable for permanent data storage, unlike volatile memory (RAM), which loses its content when power is lost.
Which of the following is true about RISC processors?
A Use few instructions
B Complex instruction set
C Higher power consumption
D Require more memory
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) processors use a small set of simple instructions that can be executed in a single cycle, which leads to faster performance and efficiency compared to CISC architectures.
What does the term “virtual memory” allow a system to do?
A Increase CPU speed
B Optimize input/output
C Simulate more RAM
D Access hard drive data
Virtual memory enables a system to use disk space as if it were additional RAM. This allows programs to run even when physical RAM is insufficient by swapping data between the RAM and hard disk.
What is the function of the interrupt mechanism in a computer system?
A Handle error messages
B Store data
C Control program flow
D Pause current task for higher priority
Interrupts allow the CPU to pause its current task and prioritize other tasks that need immediate attention. Once the high-priority task is handled, the CPU resumes its original task.
Which of the following is a feature of multi-core processors?
A Multiple cores for parallel tasks
B Limited clock speed
C Shared memory
D Single processing unit
Multi-core processors feature more than one processing unit (core), enabling the simultaneous execution of multiple tasks. This improves performance by allowing parallel processing and better multitasking.
What is the role of a register in the CPU?
A Control data flow
B Store temporary data
C Store instructions
D Process data
Registers are small, fast storage locations inside the CPU used to temporarily store data and instructions during processing. They provide quick access to data during arithmetic and logic operations.
What does the instruction set architecture (ISA) define?
A Memory organization
B CPU components
C The set of instructions for the CPU
D Bus structure
The Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) defines the set of instructions that a CPU can execute. It specifies the operations, data formats, and addressing modes supported by the processor.