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?

    <p>Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a memory location in a computer?

    <p>A specific address in the memory with unique identification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is memory capacity generally measured?

    <p>In Mega Bytes (MB) or Giga Bytes (GB)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The size of the register</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Processes data for execution</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To store the intermediate results of computations</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Memory Address Register (MAR)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It keeps track of the instruction to be executed next</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Memory Buffer Register (MBR)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It stores instructions prior to execution</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Accumulator Register (AC)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It receives data from memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Accumulator Register (AC)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

    What can cause a program to stop executing?

    <p>An error during program execution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It calculates the address for the next instruction to execute.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of branch instructions in machine instructions?

    <p>They change the sequence of instruction execution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It relies solely on sequential execution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Instruction Register</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It receives the result from the accumulator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the first memory chip constructed capable of holding?

    <p>256 bits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which milestone was achieved by Intel in 1971?

    <p>The development of the Intel 4004 microprocessor</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It was introduced in 1974.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The cost of semiconductor memory has gradually decreased.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>1 Gbits</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Intel 8080</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which manufacturer developed the first specific application microprocessor?

    <p>Intel</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Fewer chips are needed as more components are integrated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating system is supported by the mentioned development platforms?

    <p>Solaris 2.5.1</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Java</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of tools are included for program debugging?

    <p>Parallel program debugging tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Machine learning algorithms</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Distributed Computing Environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Discrete components</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Share a common architecture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not related to parallel computing?

    <p>Data warehousing tools</p> 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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    Unit 1 The Basic Computer PDF

    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.

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