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Questions and Answers
Which component directly interfaces between the hardware and software in a computer system?
Which component directly interfaces between the hardware and software in a computer system?
- Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) (correct)
- Microarchitecture
- Operating System (OS)
- Runtime System
If a microprocessor needs to fetch data from memory, which bus is primarily used to specify the memory location?
If a microprocessor needs to fetch data from memory, which bus is primarily used to specify the memory location?
- Address bus (correct)
- Control bus
- Power bus
- Data bus
What does extending an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) typically involve?
What does extending an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) typically involve?
- Simplifying the microarchitecture for cost reduction.
- Adding instructions or other capabilities to the processor. (correct)
- Decreasing the size of the addressable memory space.
- Reducing the number of registers available to the processor.
In the context of computer architecture, what is the role of the control bus?
In the context of computer architecture, what is the role of the control bus?
Which of the following is NOT typically defined by the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)?
Which of the following is NOT typically defined by the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)?
In a basic computer structure, what is the primary function of the control bus?
In a basic computer structure, what is the primary function of the control bus?
What determines the width (number of bits) of the data bus in a microprocessor system?
What determines the width (number of bits) of the data bus in a microprocessor system?
If a microprocessor wants to read data from a specific location in RAM, what sequence of actions is required?
If a microprocessor wants to read data from a specific location in RAM, what sequence of actions is required?
Why is the control bus often bi-directional in a computer system?
Why is the control bus often bi-directional in a computer system?
What is the role of the address bus in conjunction with the control bus when accessing memory?
What is the role of the address bus in conjunction with the control bus when accessing memory?
Which level of abstraction defines the instruction set used by software developers?
Which level of abstraction defines the instruction set used by software developers?
What is the primary role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within a microprocessor?
What is the primary role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within a microprocessor?
A computer architect is tasked with designing a processor for a mobile device. Which of the following considerations is MOST crucial?
A computer architect is tasked with designing a processor for a mobile device. Which of the following considerations is MOST crucial?
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between computer architecture and microarchitecture?
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between computer architecture and microarchitecture?
A software developer needs to write code that will run on both Intel x86 and ARM processors. What aspect of computer architecture is MOST relevant to ensure compatibility?
A software developer needs to write code that will run on both Intel x86 and ARM processors. What aspect of computer architecture is MOST relevant to ensure compatibility?
What is the hardware or implementation level of computer architecture primarily concerned with?
What is the hardware or implementation level of computer architecture primarily concerned with?
In a basic computer architecture, what is the primary function of the oscillator (OSC)?
In a basic computer architecture, what is the primary function of the oscillator (OSC)?
In the context of computer architecture, what does the 'control unit' (CU) primarily do?
In the context of computer architecture, what does the 'control unit' (CU) primarily do?
Which memory type is primarily used for storing the microprocessor's program in a basic computer system and retains data even without power?
Which memory type is primarily used for storing the microprocessor's program in a basic computer system and retains data even without power?
Which component in a basic computer system facilitates communication with external devices?
Which component in a basic computer system facilitates communication with external devices?
Why is it important for a computer architect to understand all levels of design?
Why is it important for a computer architect to understand all levels of design?
If a microprocessor needs to both read and write data during program execution, which type of memory is most suitable?
If a microprocessor needs to both read and write data during program execution, which type of memory is most suitable?
In a computer system with a separate address and data bus, what is the primary role of the address bus?
In a computer system with a separate address and data bus, what is the primary role of the address bus?
Considering a 32-bit microprocessor, what is the maximum amount of memory (in Gigabytes) that it can directly address, assuming each address refers to a byte?
Considering a 32-bit microprocessor, what is the maximum amount of memory (in Gigabytes) that it can directly address, assuming each address refers to a byte?
Which of the following scenarios would primarily involve the use of the control bus in a computer system?
Which of the following scenarios would primarily involve the use of the control bus in a computer system?
How does the use of an oscillator with a higher clock frequency generally affect the performance of a microprocessor?
How does the use of an oscillator with a higher clock frequency generally affect the performance of a microprocessor?
A microprocessor intends to read data from a specific memory location. Which bus is primarily responsible for transmitting the address of that memory location?
A microprocessor intends to read data from a specific memory location. Which bus is primarily responsible for transmitting the address of that memory location?
In a computer system using separate buses, what is the role of the control bus in a memory read operation?
In a computer system using separate buses, what is the role of the control bus in a memory read operation?
A microprocessor needs to write data to a peripheral device via PIO. Which sequence of bus operations is most likely to occur?
A microprocessor needs to write data to a peripheral device via PIO. Which sequence of bus operations is most likely to occur?
Which of the following scenarios best describes the unidirectional nature of the address bus?
Which of the following scenarios best describes the unidirectional nature of the address bus?
During a memory read operation, what is the primary role of the data bus?
During a memory read operation, what is the primary role of the data bus?
If a microprocessor wants to read from RAM address 0x50, how does it typically communicate this address, and what else must occur for the read to be successful?
If a microprocessor wants to read from RAM address 0x50, how does it typically communicate this address, and what else must occur for the read to be successful?
In a system utilizing an address bus, a data bus and a control bus, which of the following is an example of device that connects to all three?
In a system utilizing an address bus, a data bus and a control bus, which of the following is an example of device that connects to all three?
Why is it necessary for the address bus to work in conjunction with the control bus when accessing memory?
Why is it necessary for the address bus to work in conjunction with the control bus when accessing memory?
Flashcards
Data Bus
Data Bus
A channel that allows the CPU to send & receive data to other components.
Address Bus
Address Bus
A channel the CPU uses to specify the location (address) in memory it wants to access.
Control Bus
Control Bus
A channel used to send control signals between the CPU and other components (read, write, etc.).
ISA (Instruction Set Architecture)
ISA (Instruction Set Architecture)
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ISA Details
ISA Details
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ROM (Read-Only Memory)
ROM (Read-Only Memory)
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RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
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Computer Architecture
Computer Architecture
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Architecture (Abstraction)
Architecture (Abstraction)
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Microarchitecture
Microarchitecture
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Hardware/Implementation
Hardware/Implementation
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Microprocessor (PU)
Microprocessor (PU)
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Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
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Registers (CPU)
Registers (CPU)
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Control Unit (CU)
Control Unit (CU)
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Oscillator (OSC)
Oscillator (OSC)
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Clock Signal (clk)
Clock Signal (clk)
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PIO (Peripheral Input Output)
PIO (Peripheral Input Output)
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PIO
PIO
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ROM
ROM
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RAM
RAM
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Microprocessor
Microprocessor
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Address Bus Direction
Address Bus Direction
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Study Notes
- Architecture specifies connection between hardware and software.
- Compatible processors are implemented to meet power consumption, cost, area, and performance goals.
- Computer architects must understand all design levels to deliver the most suitable design for the application and target market.
Level of Abstraction
- Architecture sets specifications that allow developers to write software and firmware, including the instruction set.
- Microarchitecture refers to the logical organization of the computer's inner structure.
- Hardware or Implementation is the realization/physical structure: logic design & chip packaging.
Computer Structure
- The computer structure includes a microprocessor or processing unit (PU).
- Microprocessors use an ALU for arithmetic computation, a register for storing data, and a control unit (CU).
- The address bus, data bus and control bus are all buses that work with memory and peripherals via PIO (peripheral input output)
Address Bus
- Address bus sends ROM, RAM, and PIO addresses that the microprocessor wants to read/write.
- A 1-directional bus that goes from the microprocessor to memories.
- When reading RAM address 0x30, the microprocessor sends 0x30 out, which usually works with the control bus for selecting a targeted device.
Control Bus
- Control Bus controls RAM, ROM, and PIO, usually working with the address bus.
- If reading RAM address 0x30, the control address must send a signal to select a specific RAM (Chip Select) after 0x30 is sent from the address bus.
- The control bus can be bi-directional for RAM, ROM, and PIO so signals can be sent back to the microprocessor on some situations.
Data Bus
- Data bus transfers data from the microprocessor to write RAM, ROM, and PIO, and reads device data.
- A bus that is 8, 16, 32, or 64 bit dependent on the architecture of the microprocessor.
Oscillator
- An oscillator generates a clock signal to control the microprocessor's working sequence.
- Depending on the CPU's performance, this can range from 1 MHz to many GHz.
Memory
- ROM (Read Only Memory) is a memory used to memorize the microprocessor program.
- It can only be read and not written as CPU programs should not be changed during operation.
- The stored data remains in the memory cell regardless of power.
- RAM (Random Access Memory) is a memory that data can be written to or read from.
- Used to keep data during microprocessor program processing.
- PIO (Peripheral Input Output) is the port for interfacing with external peripheral devices.
Instruction Set Architecture
- Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) is part of the abstract computer model that defines how software controls the CPU.
- ISA acts as an interface between hardware and software by specifying what the processor can do as well as how.
- ISA defines supported data types, registers, hardware management of main memory, key features, and the instructions the microprocessor can execute.
- ISA can be extended by adding instructions/capabilities, and/or supporting larger addresses and data values.
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Description
An overview of computer architecture, specifying the connection between hardware and software. Compatible processors are implemented to meet power consumption, cost, area, and performance goals. Focus on levels of abstraction and computer structure.
