Computer Architecture and Organization Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a function implemented by computer systems?

  • Data encryption (correct)
  • Data movement
  • Data processing
  • Data storage

    • What is the main difference between computer architecture and computer organization?

  • Architecture defines the physical components of the computer, while organization defines its logical structure.
  • Architecture focuses on the features that are visible to the programmer, while organization focuses on the implementation details. (correct)
  • Architecture is related to software, while organization is related to hardware.
  • Architecture deals with the high-level design of the computer, while organization focuses on the low-level design.

    • Why does code compatibility exist across different versions of the same computer family, like the Intel x86 or IBM System/370?

  • The same software is used for all versions.
  • They share the same basic architectural features, including instruction sets and data representation. (correct)
  • The organization of the computer is the same across all versions.
  • All versions use the same physical components.

    • Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Von Neumann architecture?

    <p>It employs a technique where both data and instructions are stored in the same main memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a peripheral device in a computer system?

    <p>Keyboard (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the control unit in the Von Neumann architecture?

    <p>Interpreting instructions from memory and executing them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement BEST describes the relationship between the structure and function of a computer system?

    <p>Structure refers to the static arrangement of components, while function describes how these components interact dynamically. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these terms would best describe the implementation of specific features in a computer system?

    <p>Organization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To perform arithmetic operations and logical comparisons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a major component of the CPU?

    <p>Main Memory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Control Unit (CU) within the CPU?

    <p>To direct the operations of the CPU and other components. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the registers within the CPU?

    <p>To provide temporary internal storage for data and instructions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the process of decoding program instructions in a CPU?

    <p>Translating program instructions into machine language that the CPU can understand. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Control Unit (CU) interact with the ALU and registers?

    <p>The CU is responsible for controlling the flow of data among the ALU, registers, and other components. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the CPU Internal Bus?

    <p>To provide a pathway for data transfer within the CPU, connecting its components. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Address Lines in the CPU?

    <p>To specify the location of data in the main memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of an address bus in a computer system?

    <p>Identifies the location of data within the system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a data bus?

    <p>It is a unidirectional path for data transfer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a 32-bit data bus enhance system performance compared to a 16-bit data bus?

    <p>It enables the transfer of more data per clock cycle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between a single bus structure and a multiple bus structure?

    <p>A single bus structure uses a single data bus, while a multiple bus structure uses separate data buses for different types of data. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the width of the address bus affect the maximum memory capacity of a system?

    <p>A wider address bus allows for a larger range of memory locations to be accessed directly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the control bus in a computer system?

    <p>To control the flow of data between devices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the CPU interact with the I/O devices through the control bus?

    <p>The CPU uses the control bus to send commands and receive status information from I/O devices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main benefit of using multiple buses in a computer system?

    <p>It enables faster data transfers by reducing contention for the bus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Program Counter (PC) during the Fetch phase?

    <p>To hold the address of the next instruction to be fetched. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the instruction after it's loaded into the Instruction Register (IR) during the Fetch phase?

    <p>It is decoded and interpreted by the processor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the actions that the processor undertakes during the Execute phase?

    <p>Decoding the instruction and setting up the circuits to perform actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the provided example of a simple processor, what is the maximum number of different instructions that can be represented?

    <p>256 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the OP_CODE in the simple processor's instruction format?

    <p>It indicates the type of operation to be performed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a possible type of operation that can be performed during the Execute phase?

    <p>Decoding the instruction and preparing the circuits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Instruction Cycle?

    <p>The Fetch phase happens before the Execute phase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the given simple processor, what is the size of the address space?

    <p>20 bits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of an interrupt in a computer system?

    <p>To pause the execution of the current program and handle an event. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are interrupts handled in a computer system?

    <p>The processor suspends the current program, saves its context, and then executes an interrupt handler routine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the potential sources for interrupts in a computer system?

    <p>From both internal and external events, including I/O devices, timers, and hardware errors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between a disabled interrupt and a pending interrupt?

    <p>A disabled interrupt is ignored until enabled, while a pending interrupt waits for processing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are multiple interrupts handled in a computer system with interrupts?

    <p>Interrupts are handled in order of priority, with higher priority interrupts interrupting lower priority ones. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between sequential and nested interrupt handling?

    <p>Sequential handling processes interrupts in a specific order, while nested handling allows higher-priority interrupts to interrupt lower-priority ones. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key benefit of using interrupts in a computer system?

    <p>Improved system responsiveness to events. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the different types of connections used for connecting memory, I/O devices, and the CPU?

    <p>Units are connected through a combination of data, address, and control buses, with differing connections for different units. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using general-purpose hardware over hardwired systems?

    <p>General-purpose hardware can perform different tasks with different programs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a program, in the context of computing?

    <p>A set of instructions that control the flow of data in a computer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a computer execute a program?

    <p>By sequentially executing the steps of the program using a specific set of control signals for each operation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Program Control Unit in the von Neumann computer?

    <p>To control the execution of the program by issuing control signals to other components. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of John von Neumann's contribution to computer architecture?

    <p>He proposed a computer architecture based on storing programs and data in the same memory space (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why were hardwired systems considered inflexible?

    <p>They required physical rewiring to change their functionality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do control signals relate to a program?

    <p>Control signals are generated by a program to control the hardware's operations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between a hardwired system and a general-purpose computer?

    <p>A hardwired system is designed for specific tasks, while a general-purpose computer can execute different programs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Hardwired systems

    Systems that require physical rewiring to change functions.

    General purpose hardware

    Hardware that performs various tasks with appropriate control signals.

    Control signals

    Signals that dictate hardware operations and functions.

    Program

    A sequence of steps for executing operations in computing.

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    Operation codes (opcodes)

    Unique codes for different operations like ADD or MOVE.

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    Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

    Component in computers that performs arithmetic and logic operations.

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    Program Control Unit (PCU)

    Unit that interprets opcodes and manages operations in a program.

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    Von Neumann architecture

    A computer architecture model that describes how a computer is structured, including memory and processing units.

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    Control unit

    A component that interprets instructions from memory and executes them.

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    ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

    A specialized device that performs arithmetic and logic operations on data.

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    Architecture vs Organization

    Architecture refers to the specification of a computer system, while organization refers to how these specifications are implemented.

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    Structure

    The way in which components of a computer relate to each other.

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    Function

    The operation of individual components as part of the structure of a computer.

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    Computer functions

    The four main functions of computers are data processing, storage, movement, and control.

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    Central Processing Unit (CPU)

    The core component that performs most of the processing inside a computer.

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    Control Unit (CU)

    Controls the CPU operations and coordinates data flow within the computer.

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    Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

    Component of the CPU that performs arithmetic calculations and logical operations.

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    Registers

    Small storage locations within the CPU for quick data access and processing.

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    Fetching

    The process of retrieving instructions from memory for execution.

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    Decoding

    Translating program instructions into commands that the CPU can understand.

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    Executing

    The process of carrying out the commands of a program after decoding.

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    Main Memory

    Storage that holds data and programs currently in use by the CPU.

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    Fetch Phase

    The first phase where the processor retrieves the next instruction from memory using the Program Counter (PC).

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    Program Counter (PC)

    A register that holds the address of the next instruction to fetch from memory.

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    Instruction Register (IR)

    A temporary storage in the CPU that holds the current instruction being executed.

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    Execute Phase

    The second phase in the instruction cycle where the processor carries out the instruction fetched.

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    Opcode

    The part of an instruction that specifies the operation to be performed.

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    Data Transfer

    Moving data between CPU, memory, and I/O devices during execution.

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    Arithmetic/Logic Operation

    Operations performed by the CPU that include arithmetic (e.g., addition) and logic (e.g., comparisons).

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    Instruction Cycle

    The repetitive process of fetching and executing instructions in a computer system.

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    Interrupt

    A mechanism allowing other modules to disrupt normal processing.

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    Types of Interrupts

    Includes program, timer, I/O, and hardware failure interrupts.

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    Interrupt Cycle

    Process where the processor checks for interrupts during instruction cycles.

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    Handling Interrupts

    Processor suspends current tasks, saves state, and processes interrupts.

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    Multiple Interrupts

    The processor can disable further interrupts until the current one is handled.

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    Interrupt Priorities

    Higher priority interrupts can interrupt lower priority ones.

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    Connecting Modules

    All computer components must be linked for communication.

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    Memory Connection

    Memory units send and receive data, addresses, and control signals.

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    Input/Output Connection

    System that manages data exchange between computer and peripherals during input and output operations.

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    CPU Connection

    The process where the CPU reads instructions and data, writes output, and communicates control signals.

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    Bus

    A communication pathway connecting multiple devices, where devices can share the same bus.

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    Data Bus

    A bus that carries data and instructions, where the width indicates performance capability.

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    Address Bus

    A bus that identifies the source or destination of data in the memory, influencing memory capacity.

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    Control Bus

    Bus carrying control signals for operations like memory read/write and timing.

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    Bus Structure

    Refers to single or multiple bus systems used for device interconnection and communication.

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    Peripheral Device Control

    Involves the CPU sending control signals to peripherals and receiving address signals.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Computer Organization and Architecture

    • The study covers computer organization and architecture, specifically system architecture, presented in chapter 3

    • The presentation outlines the process of converting source code into machine code using a compiler and linker.

    • The process takes 10 minutes and 30 minutes respectively for a compiler and linker

    Evolution of Computer Architecture

    • Hardware systems are inflexible, requiring wiring changes to alter functions
    • General-purpose hardware can perform different tasks with suitable control signals.
    • Programs provide the new control signals instead of rewiring.

    What is a program?

    • A sequence of steps, often arithmetic, logical, or data movement operations
    • Each step requires a unique set of control signals

    Execution of the Program

    • Each operation is given a unique code
    • A hardware circuit interprets the code and signals the corresponding actions.
    • This process defines a computer.

    John von Neumann

    • A notable mathematician (1903-1957)
    • Credited with the conceptual model of a computer known as Edvac, introduced in a draft report of 1945
    • The foundational design of this prototype computer, Edvac, was established in 1952

    The von Neumann Computer

    • Composed of input/output equipment, an arithmetic logic unit, a program control unit, and main memory.

    Von Neumann Architecture

    • Data and programs are represented in binary format.
    • Data and programs are stored in the main memory.
    • The control unit fetches and executes instructions from memory.
    • The control flow is sequential.
    • A special device, such as the ALU, conducts data operations.
    • Memory is addressed to access specific data.
    • Input and output devices are operated by the control unit.

    Architecture & Organization

    • Architecture is the programmer's visible features like functions, commands (e.g., Instruction set, bit representation, I/O mechanisms, addressing)
    • Organization defines the implementation details of the features, including control signals, interfaces, and memory technology.
    • Architecture describes the specification; organization represents the implementation.

    Architecture and Organization Examples

    • Intel x86 and IBM System/370 families utilize similar architectures, facilitating backward code compatibility.
    • Organization structures, though following similar architectures, may vary between versions.

    Structure and Function

    • Structure: Defines the static connections and the relations between components
    • Function: Illustrates the dynamic behavior of individual components as they work together

    Computer Functions

    • Data processing : Manipulating, transforming data
    • Data Storage: Retaining data
    • Data Movement: Transferring data
    • Control: Maintaining and regulating operations

    Structure - Top Level

    • The computer comprises peripherals, a central processing unit (CPU), main memory, systems interconnection, input, and output

    Main Structural Components

    • PC (program counter), MAR (memory address register), IR (instruction register), MBR (memory buffer register), I/O AR (input/output address register), I/O BR (input/output buffer register), execution unit.
    • Data and instructions move to/from the computer system through the system bus and the I/O module; the CPU also functions with the help of buffers

    Computer Components: Top Level View

    • The top-level computer components include the central processing unit (CPU), memory, input/output (I/O), and system interconnection (often a "bus").

    CPU Components

    • Control unit, ALU (arithmetic logic unit), internal registers, input-output mechanisms.

    Main Structural Components (details)

    • The CPU performs data processing, the main memory stores data, and input/output (I/O) handles data transfer between the computer and external devices.

    CPU - Functional Components

    • Central processing unit (CPU)
    • Control unit
    • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
    • Internal registers.
    • Data and instructions enter the system; results are emitted.
    • Primary memory stores data and instructions during code execution.

    Processor Machine Cycle

    • The CPU's operation cycle encompasses four steps: Fetch, Decode, Execute, and Store.

    Instruction Cycle

    • Two phases: Fetch and Execute
    • The fetch phase retrieves instructions from memory; the execute phase performs the instruction

    Fetch Phase

    • The program counter (PC) specifies the next instruction's address.
    • The processor retrieves the instruction from the addressed memory location.
    • The program counter (PC) increments to the next instruction.
    • The instruction is loaded into the instruction register (IR).
    • The processor decodes the instruction to perform it.

    Execute Phase

    • The processor decodes the instruction in the IR and sets up circuits to perform relevant actions.
    • Data transfer operations between CPU and memory or peripherals may occur.
    • Arithmetic or logical operations are executed on the data.

    A Simple Processor

    • A simple processor operates on 16-bit words with 4-bit opcodes and 12-bit addresses, using different opcodes for data movement actions between memory, registers, and the accumulator

    Example of Program Execution

    • Detailed steps illustrating how instructions influence CPU registers and memory, showing operations like fetching, storing and execution.

    Instruction Cycle - State Diagram

    • Diagrammatic representation of the sequence of events within the instruction cycle, with phases like fetch, decode, operands calculation, data operation, return from block execution, and storage of results

    Interrupts

    • Mechanism permitting other modules (like I/O) to halt the normal processor execution sequence, particularly relevant in cases of program errors (e.g., overflow, division by zero) or timely hardware occurrences (e.g., I/O operations, hardware malfunctions)

    Interrupt Cycle

    • The interrupt cycle occurs if an interrupt is pending.
    • This involves saving the context of the current program, setting the PC to the interrupt handler routine, processing the interrupt, and restoring the context to resume the interrupted program.

    Transfer of Control Via Interrupts

    • Interrupts allow the CPU to suspend a program's normal operations and process other, immediate tasks via a handler function.

    Instruction Cycle With Interrupts

    • The diagram outlines the instruction cycle including the interrupt cycle, where interrupts can result in the CPU temporarily suspending its current task and executing an interrupt service routine instead.

    Multiple Interrupts

    • The processor prioritizes handling interrupts based on set priorities
    • Sequential handling of interrupts.
    • Nested handling of interrupts, where one interrupt can occur while another is being processed.

    Time Sequence of Multiple Interrupts

    • Illustrated timeline demonstrating the order of interrupt processing depending on the interrupt priorities.

    Connecting Units

    • A computer's components must be interconnected using various connections based on the functions of the units (e.g., CPU, memory, input/output, and network connections).

    Computer Modules - Overview

    • Shows a diagram of how memory and I/O modules are connected to the CPU
    • Each computer component requires different connections to the rest of the computer system

    Memory Connection

    • Memory receives data, addresses, and control signals for read and write operations.
    • The memory timing mechanism synchronizes actions for smooth data exchange.

    Input/Output Connection (1)

    • Input/Output (I/O) operations share similarities with memory accesses, but they involve peripherals.
    • Data movement during output operations is from the computer to the peripheral.
    • Data movement during input operations is from the peripheral to the computer.

    Input/Output Connection (2)

    • Addresses and control signals are exchanged between the computer and its peripheral devices.
    • Interrupts are often used to inform or notify the CPU of events or requests handled by the peripherals.

    CPU Connection

    • The CPU interacts with other components by reading instructions and data, writing results, and handling signals from other units through control signals.

    Buses

    • Communication systems, known as buses, link devices in a computer system.
    • Single- and multi-bus structures are frequently used in computer designs, with distinct control, address, and data lines enabling intercomponent communication.

    What is a Bus ?

    • A bus functions as a shared communication pathway for multiple devices inside the computer system.
    • Each device that connects to the bus can transmit and receive signals.

    Data Bus

    • The data bus carries the data between components.
    • Data transfer can occur between memory, CPU, I/O modules

    Address Bus

    • The address bus identifies the source or destination of the data exchanges between components; this is critical for the CPU to access specific memory locations or I/O devices.

    Control Bus

    • The control bus carries control and timing signals instructing other devices on what to do, and when to do it as an internal command to coordinate data transfer.

    Bus Interconnection Scheme

    • A bus interconnects all the components involved in a digital computer; it ensures all components share data and control signals without conflicting with one another.

    What do buses look like

    • Physically buses may appear in various forms including parallel lines on circuit boards, ribbon cables, and strip connectors.
    • The buses may consist of distinct wires that combine the control, address, and data signals into a common line or several lines for communication purposes

    Single Bus Problems

    • Multiple devices sharing a single bus can result in conflicts and slow performance (propagation delays).
    • The aggregate data transfer rates can increase considerably or exceed the capabilities of the bus

    Traditional and High-Performance Buses

    • Traditional bus designs often have a single system bus; High-performance bus designs, on the other hand, implement multi-bus structures with separate buses for specific functionalities like the PCI bus, P1394 bus, high-speed bus.

    Bus Types - Dedicated versus Multiplexed

    • Dedicated buses offer separate lines for data and address signals.
    • Multiplexed buses share common lines for both data and addresses operations.
    • Multiplexed buses simplify the structure, but it makes control logic more complex.

    Bus Arbitration

    • Bus arbitration manages conflicts that may emerge when several components need to use the common bus resources simultaneously.
    • Centralized arbitration uses a dedicated arbiter to control the bus.
    • Decentralized arbitration employs logic circuits within each device.

    Bus Timing - Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

    • Synchronous buses operate based on a clock signal to synchronize operations.
    • Asynchronous buses, on the other hand, operate based on signals from the components in the system.

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    Chapter 3 - System Architecture PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on key concepts in computer architecture and organization. This quiz covers various functions of computer systems, the Von Neumann architecture, components of the CPU, and peripheral devices. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these foundational aspects of computing.

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