Computer Memory and Architecture Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of memory in a computer?

To execute programs directly

To connect input devices to the CPU

To store instructions and data temporarily (correct)

To process arithmetic operations

Which of the following correctly defines the size of a Mega Byte?

1024 bytes

2^20 bytes (correct)

2^30 bytes

1000 bytes

What does the control unit (CU) do in von Neumann Architecture?

Manages input and output devices

Performs arithmetic operations

Stores data in registers

Interprets instructions and generates control signals (correct)

Which component is primarily responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Signup and view all the answers

What is a memory location in a computer?

A specific address in the memory with unique identification Signup and view all the answers

How is memory capacity generally measured?

In Mega Bytes (MB) or Giga Bytes (GB) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a register's importance in a computer's processing speed?

The size of the register Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options does NOT describe a function of an input/output system?

Processes data for execution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Accumulator Register (AC) in a von Neumann machine?

To store the intermediate results of computations Signup and view all the answers

Which register indicates the address of memory for reading or writing data?

Memory Address Register (MAR) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Program Counter (PC) in a CPU?

It keeps track of the instruction to be executed next Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following registers contains the data to be written into memory?

Memory Buffer Register (MBR) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Instruction Register (IR) in instruction execution?

It stores instructions prior to execution Signup and view all the answers

In a von Neumann machine, which register is likely to have its value overwritten after executing a computation?

Accumulator Register (AC) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Memory Buffer Register (MBR) do during a read operation?

It receives data from memory Signup and view all the answers

Which register is essential for temporarily storing an operand during computation?

Accumulator Register (AC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the accumulator during instruction execution?

It holds the sum of its previous value and a value from memory. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the size of memory shown as 16 words, despite the capability to address 1 K words?

The machine instruction format reserves 10 bits for addressing. Signup and view all the answers

What can cause a program to stop executing?

An error during program execution. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Program Counter (PC) function in the instruction cycle?

It calculates the address for the next instruction to execute. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of branch instructions in machine instructions?

They change the sequence of instruction execution. Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of the simplified instruction execution example given?

It relies solely on sequential execution. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of instruction execution, what does IR stand for?

Instruction Register Signup and view all the answers

During the execution of an instruction, what happens to the value stored in location C?

It receives the result from the accumulator. Signup and view all the answers

What was the first memory chip constructed capable of holding?

256 bits Signup and view all the answers

Which milestone was achieved by Intel in 1971?

The development of the Intel 4004 microprocessor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the Intel 8080 microprocessor?

It was introduced in 1974. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change has occurred regarding semiconductor memory costs over time?

The cost of semiconductor memory has gradually decreased. Signup and view all the answers

What is the capacity of a modern memory chip as mentioned?

1 Gbits Signup and view all the answers

What type of microprocessor is considered general-purpose as mentioned in the content?

Intel 8080 Signup and view all the answers

Which manufacturer developed the first specific application microprocessor?

Intel Signup and view all the answers

In terms of size and complexity, how has microprocessor design evolved?

Fewer chips are needed as more components are integrated. Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system is supported by the mentioned development platforms?

Solaris 2.5.1 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following programming languages is not listed as supported?

Java Signup and view all the answers

What type of tools are included for program debugging?

Parallel program debugging tools Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not belong to the category of development tools mentioned?

Machine learning algorithms Signup and view all the answers

What does DCE stand for in the context of supported development environments?

Distributed Computing Environment Signup and view all the answers

Which component type is explicitly contrasted with integrated circuits in discussed advantages?

Discrete components Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is associated with a family of computers?

Share a common architecture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not related to parallel computing?

Data warehousing tools Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory

Input devices bring instructions and data to the computer sequentially, but programs may not be executed sequentially.
Memory is needed to store instructions and data temporarily.
Memory is made up of memory cells (bytes, bits) that have addresses for independent access by the CPU
Main memory capacity is measured in MB or GB.
1KB = 1024 bytes (approximately 1000 bytes)
1MB = 2^20 bytes (slightly over a million bytes)
1 GB = 2^30 bytes

Von Neumann Architecture

Key functions of a computer include:
- Executing instructions: specifies the operation to be performed
- Data: the value to be operated on
Control Unit interprets instructions and generates control signals
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations in registers
Register size influences processing speed
Input/Output (I/O) system provides data input and output

Registers

Registers are temporary storage locations in the CPU for program execution.
Accumulator Register (AC): stores data for ALU computations, holds one operand, and receives the result.
Memory Address Register (MAR): specifies the address of the memory location for reading or writing data
Memory Buffer Register (MBR): contains the data to be written to or received from memory
Program Counter (PC): tracks the next instruction to be executed
Instruction Register (IR): holds the instruction before execution

Limitations of the Example

The example presented is simplified, and highlights limitations of conventional architectures
The example uses a 16-word memory, but the instruction format allows addressing 2^10 (1K) words of memory, due to the 10 bits reserved for the address in the format.
Instructions are sequential, but branching instructions can change the execution sequence.
Program termination: Typically the CPU ends execution at the end of the program, but errors can cause termination, or power failures can terminate all running programs

Instruction Cycle

Steps involved in instruction execution:
- Fetch: Fetch an instruction from memory
- Decode: Decode the instruction to understand its operation
- Execute: Perform the operation specified by the instruction

VLSI Technology Breakthroughs

Semiconductor memories: Initially, IC technology was used for processors, but it was realized that they could be used for memory construction as well.
First memory chip: Held 256 bits in 1970 and was expensive
Cost has decreased while capacity has increased: Currently, single chips can hold up to 1 GB.
Microprocessors: As more components could be fabricated on a single chip, fewer chips became necessary for processor construction.
Intel 4004: The first microprocessor, designed for a specific task.
Intel 8080: The first general-purpose microprocessor (8-bit).
Currently, 32-bit and 64-bit general-purpose microprocessors are available.

Solaris Operating System

The text mentions Solaris 2.5.1 operating system which is a Unix-based operating system developed by Sun Microsystems, now owned by Oracle. It was known for its stability and reliability.
Solaris is often used in server environments. The text notes its support for a variety of programming languages and tools, such as:
- FORTRAN 77, FORTRAN 90, C and C++ language compilers
- Tools for parallel program debugging and visualisation
- Distributed Computing Environment
- Data warehousing tools

Check Your Progress Questions

General Purpose Machine: A machine that can be used for a variety of tasks or applications, as opposed to being designed for only a specific purpose.
Advantages of IC technology over discrete components:
- Miniaturization: Smaller size, enabling increased component density on a single chip
- Lower cost: Mass production reduces cost
- Greater reliability: Fewer connections and lower power consumption lead to increased reliability.
- Improved performance: Shorter signal paths lead to faster operation
Family of computers: A group of computers sharing a common architecture, instruction set, and operating system, allowing for compatibility between models.

Summary

The text introduces key computer architecture concepts, including memory, CPU components, the Von Neumann architecture, and VLSI technology advancements.
The importance of memory for temporary storage, instruction execution, and register types for data manipulation is emphasized.
The text highlights the progress in microchips and their impact on computer capabilities, exemplified by the evolution of microprocessors.
The text briefly mentions the Solaris operating system, its strengths and key features.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the concepts of memory, Von Neumann architecture, and the functions of registers in a computer system. This quiz covers the basics of how data is processed and stored in a CPU. Ensure you understand the definitions and roles of each component.