Computer Architecture Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a bus in computer architecture?

To provide a communication pathway between devices (correct)

To store temporary data

To manage power distribution

To connect input devices to output devices

A system bus consists only of data lines.

False

What determines the width of a data bus?

The number of separate lines it consists of.

The ______ bus is responsible for transmitting signals that direct operations within the computer.

Control Signup and view all the answers

Match each bus type with its primary function:

Data Bus = Transmits actual data between components Address Bus = Specifies memory addresses for data transfer Control Bus = Manages signals and control commands Power Bus = Supplies power to components Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding a 32-bit data bus?

It can transmit 32 bits of data at a time. Signup and view all the answers

The width of the address bus has no impact on the maximum possible memory capacity of a system.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the control bus?

Regulate the activity on the bus by transmitting command and timing information. Signup and view all the answers

A _________ connects a cable to a port on both the system unit and the peripheral.

connector Signup and view all the answers

Match the following control bus signals with their functions:

Memory Read = Transfers data from a memory location to the data bus Memory Write = Stores data from the data bus into a memory location I/O Read = Transfers data from an I/O port to the data bus I/O Write = Sends data from the data bus to an I/O port Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

System Bus in Computer Architecture

A bus is a communication pathway that connects multiple devices within a computer system, allowing data, instructions, and information to transfer between them.
Buses are shared transmission media, meaning signals from one device can be accessed by all devices connected to the bus, but only one device can transmit at a time to avoid signal overlap.

System Bus Structure

The system bus connects major components: CPU, memory, and I/O devices, typically consisting of 50 to hundreds of separate lines, each assigned a specific function.
System buses are categorized into three groups:
- Data Bus: Transfers actual data between components.
- Address Bus: Identifies specific memory locations.
- Control Bus: Manages command and timing signals among system modules.

Data Bus

Functions like a highway for data, connecting all components to the CPU and main memory.
The width of the data bus (measured in bits like 16, 32, or 64) determines the volume of data that can be transmitted simultaneously; wider buses allow for greater data transfer rates.

Address Bus

An unidirectional collection of wires that identifies memory locations, where N address lines can directly address 2^N memory locations.
The width of the address bus determines the maximum memory capacity of the system, influencing overall performance.

Control Bus

Coordinates the communication on the bus by regulating data and address lines usage.
Transmits key control signals, such as:
- Memory Read: Data is placed on the data bus from memory.
- Memory Write: Data from the bus is written to memory.
- I/O Read: Data from an I/O port is placed on the bus.
- I/O Write: Data on the bus is sent to an I/O port.

I/O Interface

Direct communication between processor and devices poses challenges due to:
- Different operation methods.
- Varying data transfer rates.
- Disparate word formats.
- Distinct operating modes of peripherals.

Ports and Connectors

Ports are attachment points for peripherals, enabling data transfer to and from the system unit; commonly called "jacks" for audio/video interfaces.
Connectors link cables to ports, facilitating communication between system units and peripherals.

Motherboard

The motherboard, or "Mobo," is the central circuit board in computers, resembling a mother due to its connectivity role among components.
Contains expansion cards, providing additional functionalities such as video and networking capabilities.

Expansion Cards

Video Cards: Generate visual output for displays; less expensive systems may include integrated video capabilities that are less powerful than dedicated cards.

Jumpers

Jumpers are small pins that enable electrical circuit closure on circuit boards, determining configurations of components like hard drives.
Their necessity has diminished in newer hardware due to reliance on automatic configurations and software controls.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of computer architecture, focusing specifically on the system bus. This quiz highlights how the CPU communicates with various components through pathways known as buses. Test your understanding of the essential role that buses play in computer systems.