Computer Architecture and Data Storage Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which segment of the data section is responsible for storing uninitialized variables?

Initialized data segment

Heap segment

Stack segment

bss segment (correct)

What is the default value assigned to uninitialized global variables?

Null

One

Negative one

Zero (correct)

Where are variables that are declared inside the main() function stored?

bss segment

Stack (correct)

Heap segment

Data section

Which of the following statements is true about the initialized data segment?

It is a virtual address space for initialized data. Signup and view all the answers

Which types of variables can be accessed anywhere in the program when declared outside the main() function?

Global variables Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer?

It controls operations of components like ALU, Memory, and Input/Output Device. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Von Neumann architecture, what does the Fetch-decode-execute cycle refer to?

A sequence of operations for retrieving and processing instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a key feature of the Von Neumann architecture?

It operates based on the stored-program computer concept. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

To execute a variety of micro operations including arithmetic and logical operations. Signup and view all the answers

Why is C considered a middle-level language?

It bridges the gap between machine-level and high-level languages. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of the basic Von Neumann machine architecture?

Networking Interface Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of registers within a CPU?

They serve as high-speed storage areas for ongoing operations. Signup and view all the answers

What do buses refer to in the context of the Von Neumann architecture?

Lines for transporting data and instructions between components. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

Stores the memory location of the data that needs to be accessed. Signup and view all the answers

Which bus system is responsible for carrying data between the processor and memory?

Data Bus Signup and view all the answers

What does the Program Counter (PC) register hold?

The next instruction to be executed. Signup and view all the answers

Which memory type is characterized by being non-volatile and used for storing firmware?

ROM Signup and view all the answers

During which part of the instruction cycle does the CPU determine the actions required by an instruction?

Decode Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Current Instruction Register (CIR)?

Holds the current instruction during processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which system type is specifically designed for instructions to be executed in parallel?

Harvard Architecture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Control Bus's function?

Transfers signals and commands from the CPU. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes RAM from ROM?

RAM is temporary storage, while ROM retains data permanently. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the program counter in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

It provides the address for the next instruction. Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of a C program is also referred to as the code segment?

Text segment Signup and view all the answers

In the fetch-decode-execute cycle, what must occur immediately after fetching an instruction?

The instruction is decoded. Signup and view all the answers

Why is fetching instructions from RAM faster than from a hard disk?

RAM allows for parallel data access. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the program counter after an instruction is executed?

It retrieves the address of the next instruction. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Program Counter (PC) primarily serve in the CPU?

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

Which of the following components does NOT form part of the memory layout for a C program?

Cache Signup and view all the answers

In which section of memory is the executable file created by compiling a C program stored?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

Which register serves as a temporary holding ground for fetched instructions?

Instruction Register (IR) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase is the instruction in the Instruction Register (IR) decoded?

Decode the instruction Signup and view all the answers

During the execution phase of the fetch-decode-execute cycle, which operation might the ALU perform?

Comparing two values. Signup and view all the answers

How does the memory address given by the program counter relate to the overall instruction cycle?

It indicates where the next instruction resides. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) hold?

Data fetched from memory or data waiting to be stored Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?

Coordinates activation of CPU resources and decodes instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is the last step in the fetch-decode-execute cycle before it repeats?

Update the program counter. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the CPU performs mathematical and logical operations?

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Signup and view all the answers

In which step does the effective address get read if the instruction involves indirect addressing?

Read the effective address Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the CPU instruction cycle?

Fetch the instruction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following registers holds the address of the memory location of the next instruction?

Memory Address Register (MAR) Signup and view all the answers

What does the CU do after the instruction has been decoded?

Executes the instructionusing various function units Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 1 - Computer Systems

Computer Fundamentals: A computer is an electronic device that performs operations with speed and accuracy.
Processing Unit: Includes the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU).
Memory: Stores instructions and data. Two main types: Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).
Von Neumann Architecture: A computer architecture design where instructions and data are stored in the same memory.
Components of Von Neumann Model: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Buses, and Memory Unit.

CPU Components

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Control Unit (CU): Controls the operation of other components (ALU, memory, input/output).
Registers: High-speed storage areas within the CPU. Examples include:
- Memory Address Register (MAR): Stores the memory location of data.
- Memory Data Register (MDR): Holds data being transferred to or from memory.
- Accumulator (AC): Stores intermediate arithmetic and logic results.
- Program Counter (PC): Stores the address of the next instruction to be executed.
- Current Instruction Register (CIR): Holds the current instruction.

Buses

Buses: Information pathways between registers, the processor, memory, and input/output devices.
Address Bus: Carries addresses, not data.
Data Bus: Transfers data between the processor, memory, and I/O devices.
Control Bus: Conveys signals and commands.

Memory Unit

Memory Unit: A collection of storage cells containing information in groups called words.
RAM: Random Access Memory. A volatile memory, instructions are lost when the power is off.
ROM: Read-Only Memory. A permanent memory, instructions are retained even when the power is off.

Instruction Cycle

Instruction Cycle (Fetch-Decode-Execute): The basic operation cycle of a computer. It fetches, decodes, reads effective address, and executes.
Program Counter (PC): Keeps track of the memory address of the next instruction.
Instruction Register (IR): Temporarily stores the fetched instruction.
Control Unit (CU): Decodes instructions and coordinates actions of the CPU's resources.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical and logical operations.
Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds the memory address where an instruction or data is to be fetched.
Memory Data Register (MDR): Holds data being transferred to or from memory.
Instruction Register (IR): Holds the currently executing instruction.

Memory Layout in C

Text Segment: Stores the compiled machine code.
Initialized Data Segment: Stores initialized global and static variables.
Uninitialized Data Segment (BSS): Stores uninitialized global and static variables.
Stack: Stores local variables and function call information (Last in, First Out).
Heap: Used for dynamic memory allocation during program execution.

Compiler vs Interpreter

Compiler: Translates the entire source code into machine code at once.
Interpreter: Translates and executes source code line by line.
Advantages of Compiler: Faster execution.
Disadvantages of Compiler: Debugging harder, error on full program.
Advantages of Interpreter: Easier debugging, faster error detection, flexible.
Disadvantages of Interpreter: Slower execution than compiler.

Flynn's Classification of Computers

SISD (Single Instruction, Single Data): Single processor, single instruction stream, single data stream. (e.g., uniprocessors)
SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data): Multiple processors with the same instruction, operating on different data streams. (e.g., vector processors)
MISD (Multiple Instruction, Single Data): Multiple processors operating on the same data stream, with individual instruction streams. (Mainly theoretical)
MIMD (Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data): Multiple processors with individual instruction and data streams. (e.g., multiprocessors, multicomputers).

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge of computer architecture concepts, including data segments, the Von Neumann architecture, and the CPU's functions. Answer questions regarding uninitialized variables, initialized data segments, and the significance of CPU components. A great way to solidify your understanding of these foundational topics in computing.