Computer Interconnection Structures Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does computer architecture refer to?

Attributes that have a direct impact on the logical execution of the program (correct)

Hardware details transparent to the programmer

Operational units and their interconnections

Control signals and interfaces between computer, memory, and I/O peripherals

Which of the following is an architectural attribute?

Interfaces between computer, memory, and I/O peripherals

Control signals

Instruction set (correct)

Approaches based on speed of operation

What do organizational attributes include?

Instruction set

I/O mechanisms

Number of bits used to represent data types

Details transparent to the programmer like control signals (correct)

Is the implementation of multiplication and division an architectural or organizational issue?

Organizational Signup and view all the answers

What influences the decision on whether to implement multiplication and division by special units or by other mechanisms?

Speed of operation and cost Signup and view all the answers

Do computer models from the same manufacturer typically have the same architecture or organization?

Same architecture but different organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is the event that causes the interruption in a multilevel interrupt system?

Interrupt Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the program counter's contents when a processor is interrupted?

Stored on the stack Signup and view all the answers

What is loaded into the program counter during an interrupt in a multilevel interrupt system?

Address of an interrupt service routine Signup and view all the answers

When does program execution continue after an interrupt in a multilevel interrupt system?

With the instruction from the new program counter contents Signup and view all the answers

What happens after the execution of a return instruction in a multilevel interrupt system?

Processor retrieves the old address of the program counter from the stack Signup and view all the answers

What ensures that no instruction is cut off in the middle of its execution during an interrupt in a multilevel interrupt system?

The processor completes its current instruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the interrupt method described in the text?

To inform the processor to service I/O devices only when needed Signup and view all the answers

How does the interrupt method impact the processor's program execution?

It interrupts the current instruction to service an I/O device Signup and view all the answers

Why does the processor use priority logic when handling multiple interrupts?

To handle simultaneous requests from I/O devices effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major functions of the processor mentioned in the text?

Handling multiple interrupts from I/O devices Signup and view all the answers

How does the interrupt method differ from polling in terms of efficiency?

Interrupt method services I/O devices only when necessary Signup and view all the answers

What does Figure 4.4(a) in the text represent?

Program flow modification due to a single interrupt Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a program is interrupted?

It continues executing at the next instruction after the interruption. Signup and view all the answers

How are maskable interrupts handled in a processor?

By enabling or disabling interrupts through flip-flops. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when an interrupt is masked in a processor?

The interrupt request is ignored even if activated. Signup and view all the answers

What are maskable interrupts called in a processor?

Masked interrupts Signup and view all the answers

What tasks does a processor need to perform to handle interrupts from multiple devices?

Recognize the device and execute interrupt service routine. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of non-masked interrupts?

They cannot be disabled. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the interconnection structure where all units are connected to a common bus?

Single bus structure Signup and view all the answers

How many units can communicate with each other at a time in a single bus structure?

Only two units Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bus configuration includes a cache controller connected to a high-speed bus along with the traditional three buses?

High-speed bus configuration Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a bus that is permanently assigned to one function or a physical subset of computer components?

Dedicated bus Signup and view all the answers

Which type of LANs are supported by the high-speed bus in the computer architecture described?

Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used when a bus is used for more than one function at different time zones?

Multiplexed bus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Architecture

Refers to the design and organization of a computer's components and systems, including hardware and instruction set architecture.
Architectural attributes are characteristics such as instruction set, data types, and addressing modes.

Organizational Attributes

Include how the components work together and data flows, such as control mechanisms, memory organization, and interconnection strategies.

Implementation of Arithmetic Operations

The implementation of multiplication and division is considered an organizational issue, often determined by system performance considerations.

Decision Factors for Arithmetic Implementation

Influenced by factors including speed requirements, complexity of circuitry, and overall system design goals.

Computer Models and Architecture

Models from the same manufacturer usually share the same architecture but may differ in organization.

Interrupt Handling

The event causing interruption in a multilevel interrupt system is typically an external signal or internal condition requiring immediate attention.
Program counter contents are saved when a processor is interrupted.

Program Counter During Interrupts

The address of the interrupt service routine is loaded into the program counter, directing execution to handle the interrupt.

Resuming Program Execution

Program execution continues post-interrupt after the interrupt routine completes, typically following the return instruction.

Execution of Return Instruction

After executing a return instruction post-interrupt, control is passed back to the point of interruption, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

Interrupt Execution Safety

Mechanisms exist to guarantee complete instruction execution before any interruption.

Purpose of Interrupt Method

Designed to manage hardware events efficiently, allowing the CPU to respond to asynchronous events.

Impact of Interrupt Method on Execution

Enables the processor to address events without halting program execution, improving system responsiveness.

Priority Logic Use

Employed by the processor to handle multiple simultaneous interrupts by determining which should be serviced first based on assigned priority levels.

Major Processor Functions

A core function includes managing program execution while responding to external events through interrupts.

Interrupt Method vs. Polling

The interrupt method is more efficient than polling, as it reduces idle CPU time and responds immediately to events.

Representation in Figures

Figure 4.4(a) represents the structure and behavior of the interrupt system within the processor.

Handling Program Interruption

When interrupted, the program's execution state is saved for later resumption.

Maskable Interrupts

Handled by allowing them to be temporarily ignored or 'masked' by higher-priority tasks.

Meaning of Masked Interrupt

Refers to an interrupt that is disabled or ignored by the processor during critical processing periods.

Label for Maskable Interrupts

Often referred to as maskable interrupts, they can be selectively enabled or disabled.

Tasks for Interrupt Management

The processor must save current states, identify the source of the interrupt, and execute the appropriate service routine.

Characteristics of Non-Masked Interrupts

These interrupts cannot be ignored; they are prioritized to gain immediate CPU attention.

Bus Interconnection Structure

The interconnection structure where all units connect to a common bus is termed a bus architecture.

Communication on Single Bus Structure

Only one unit can communicate at a time on a single bus structure, preventing conflicts.

Specific Bus Configuration

A bus configuration that includes a cache controller and several buses is known as a high-speed bus architecture.

Permanently Assigned Bus Functionality

Refers to a bus designated for a specific function or component subset within a computer system.

Supported LANs by High-Speed Bus

High-speed buses often support various types of Local Area Networks (LANs) to enhance connectivity.

Multi-Functional Bus Usage

The term for when a bus serves multiple functions at different times is a multiplexed bus configuration.

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Description

Test your knowledge on computer interconnection structures such as single bus, traditional bus connection, and high-speed bus configuration. Learn about the communication modules and limitations of different bus structures.