Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of cache memory?
Which technique allows the processor to handle I/O while still executing other tasks?
What does a non-vectored interrupt lack compared to a vectored interrupt?
What is the primary function of the interrupt vector table?
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How does the Least Recently Used (LRU) algorithm function in cache management?
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What is the method by which data is transferred directly between an I/O device and memory without processor intervention called?
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Which of the following best describes the block size in cache memory management?
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Which mechanism is most efficient for memory operations when trying to minimize memory writes?
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What characterizes a vectored interrupt?
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In a non-vectored interrupt system, how does the CPU identify the interrupting device?
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What is the main function of an interrupt vector table?
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What is one drawback of a non-vectored interrupt?
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Which of the following is NOT a tradeoff in memory hierarchy design?
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How does a non-vectored interrupt generally signal a device is ready for handling?
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What is a primary consideration in the design of memory hierarchy?
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What is one feature of vectored interrupts that distinguishes them from non-vectored ones?
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What is the primary purpose of a memory hierarchy in computing?
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What does the Principle of Locality of Reference imply?
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Which of the following best describes secondary memory?
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What limits the rate at which a processor can execute instructions?
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How does increasing access time in a memory hierarchy affect overall system performance?
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What is the role of cache memory in the context of a processor's operation?
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Which statement accurately describes the relationship between frequency of access and memory utilization?
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What typically happens to memory clusters accessed by a processor over time?
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Study Notes
Memory Hierarchy
- A memory hierarchy is used to avoid reliance on a single memory component or technology.
- Components in the hierarchy are organized by decreasing cost per bit, increasing capacity, increasing access time, and decreasing access frequency by the processor.
- Locality of Reference principle indicates that memory references by the processor tend to cluster, with short-term consistent clusters observed during program execution.
Secondary Memory
- Secondary memory, also known as auxiliary or external memory, is non-volatile storage for program and data files.
Cache Memory: Motivation
- Processors access memory at least once per instruction cycle, limiting execution speed by memory cycle time.
- Cache memory is used to bridge the speed gap between processor and main memory, enhancing instruction execution rates.
Interrupt Processing
- Vectored interrupts allow the CPU to know the Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) address in advance, enhancing efficiency.
- A device sends a unique vector to the CPU, which then references an interrupt table to execute the appropriate ISR.
- Non-vectored interrupts, or polled interrupts, use a common ISR for all requests, requiring the CPU to poll devices to determine the interrupt source.
Memory Design Constraints
- Memory design depends on capacity, access time, and cost, generating trade-offs in performance and expense.
- Solutions for capacity vs. speed dilemma include using cache memory to exploit locality principles, bridging slow main memory and fast processor speeds.
Cache Memory Principles
- Objectives of cache memory include achieving fast memory access timings while supporting larger memory sizes through less costly memory types.
- Multi-level caching improves performance through tiered levels of cache.
Cache Size and Management
- Cache size directly impacts overall performance, even small caches can yield significant performance gains.
- Block size defines the data unit exchanged with main memory, while mapping functions determine block placement in cache.
- Replacement algorithms like Least-Recently-Used (LRU) prioritize which blocks to replace based on usage history.
Write Policy in Cache
- When a cache block is altered, it must be written back to main memory before replacement.
- Write operations can occur continuously or only during block replacement, with aims to minimize redundant writes and maintain efficient cache operation.
I/O Operations
- The processor interacts with I/O modules through specific instructions, executing these via commands.
- Three techniques for I/O operations include Programmed I/O, Interrupt-driven I/O, and Direct Memory Access (DMA), each offering different performance characteristics.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts related to memory hierarchy, including cache memory, secondary memory, and interrupt processing. Explore how these components work together to improve processor efficiency and speed during program execution.