CMSC 132: Computer Architecture

Questions and Answers

Which register holds the address of the instruction currently being executed?

Memory Buffer Register (MBR)

Instruction Register (IR)

Program Counter (PC) (correct)

Memory Address Register (MAR)

What is the primary function of the Control Unit (CU) in a computer architecture?

Control the behavior of other components (correct)

Store data in memory

Provide input/output interfaces

Execute instructions directly

What is the role of the Memory Buffer Register (MBR)?

To manage communication between input/output devices

To hold the next instruction to be executed

To temporarily store data during memory operations (correct)

To keep track of the memory address of the last operation

In the context of computer architecture, which statement best defines 'Architecture'?

The attributes visible to the programmer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the difference between computer architecture and organization?

Architecture concerns the visible attributes, organization involves implementation of features Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT typically associated with computer architecture?

Router Signup and view all the answers

What does the FDE cycle stand for in computer architecture?

Fetch, Decode, Execute Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the von Neumann architecture?

A stored program concept with a single memory Signup and view all the answers

How does RISC architecture primarily differ from CISC architecture?

RISC focuses on a smaller set of simple instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) in a computer?

Perform arithmetic and logical operations Signup and view all the answers

In the context of computer architecture, what is the role of a multiplexer (MUX)?

To select one of several input signals and forward it to a single output line Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'organization' in computer architecture?

The physical implementation of the units and their interconnections Signup and view all the answers

What is a common component that interacts closely with the ALU in processor architecture?

Control Unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the FETCH stage in the FDE cycle?

To read the instruction from memory Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of the FDE cycle is the instruction determined and appropriate registers prepared?

DECODE Signup and view all the answers

What does the EXECUTE stage involve in the FDE cycle?

Executing the instruction using appropriate registers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of RISC architecture?

It utilizes a small, optimized set of instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of CISC architecture?

Greater efficiency in memory usage. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of computer architecture, what does CISC stand for?

Complex Instruction Set Computer Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about RISC and CISC is true?

RISC architectures use fewer but more optimized instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the FETCH stage in the FDE cycle?

To retrieve instructions from storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Control Unit in a computer's architecture?

To manage the flow of instructions and data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycle?

The sequence of operations that fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and executes them Signup and view all the answers

What does the PC (Program Counter) do during the FETCH phase of the FDE cycle?

Holds the address of the next instruction to be executed Signup and view all the answers

In terms of computer functions, what does data movement refer to?

The transfer of data between components Signup and view all the answers

During the ADD operation, what is primarily stored in the first operand?

The result of the operation Signup and view all the answers

Which component in the computer structure is responsible for interpreting the instructions from the FDE cycle?

The Control Unit Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Program Counter (PC) during the FETCH phase after the address is read?

It increments by one Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary function of a computer?

Data analysis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Architecture Fundamentals

von Neumann Architecture features a single memory and stored program concepts, introduced by scientist John von Neumann.
Key components include Input/Output devices, CPU, and Memory, managed through interactions among units.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations, foundational in processing.
Essential digital circuits to remember: Full Adder, Half Adder, Multiplexer (MUX), and Decoder.

Architecture vs Organization

Architecture encompasses attributes visible to the programmer, such as instruction sets, data representation, I/O mechanisms, and addressing techniques.
Organization refers to how these features are implemented, including control signals, interfaces, and memory technology.
Structure pertains to the relationships between components, while Function addresses the operations of individual components in the overall system.
Functions of computers include Data Processing, Data Storage, Data Movement, and Control.

Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) Cycle

FDE Cycle, or Instruction Cycle, involves fetching an instruction, decoding it, and executing it.
The Fetch stage includes retrieving the instruction from memory based on the address indicated by the Program Counter (PC).
The Decode stage prepares the relevant registers and identifies operand requirements.
The Execute stage processes the instruction using appropriate circuits and registers.

RISC vs CISC

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) uses a small, optimized instruction set for efficiency.
CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) has a larger, more specialized instruction set that simplifies programming and makes effective use of memory.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of computer design with a focus on essential topics such as the von Neumann architecture, FDE cycle, and the comparison of RISC and CISC architectures. This quiz will test your understanding of computer organization and architecture. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their grasp of these core concepts.