Computer Organization INT203

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Questions and Answers

What significant feature was introduced with Second Generation Computers?

Complex arithmetic and logic units (correct)

Support for batch processing only

Use of low-level assembly languages

Single-tasking operating system

Which component allows multiple devices to access memory independently in the IBM 7094 configuration?

Data channel

Peripheral device

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Multiplexor (correct)

What type of programming languages became prevalent with Second Generation Computers?

High-level programming languages (correct)

Procedural languages

Scripting languages

Machine languages

What was one of the functionalities of the system software in Second Generation Computers?

Loading programs Signup and view all the answers

What type of device is a card reader classified as in the Second Generation Computer configuration?

Input device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the main components of a complete computer system?

Network Interface Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the control unit in a CPU?

Manage computer resources Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is smaller and faster than main memory, designed to speed up memory access?

Cache Memory Signup and view all the answers

What component of a multicore computer is capable of executing instructions and is referred to as a processor?

Core Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary technology used in the first generation of computers?

Vacuum Tubes Signup and view all the answers

In which generation of computers were transistors primarily used?

Second Generation Signup and view all the answers

What does the CPU consist of?

Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control Unit, and Registers Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

Specify the address for data transfer in memory Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about cache memory levels is true?

L1 cache is the fastest and closest to the core. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major distinguishing feature of a multicore processor?

Contains multiple cores for parallel processing Signup and view all the answers

Which function of a computer involves moving data between the computer and its external devices?

Data movement Signup and view all the answers

What role does the ALU have within the CPU?

Execute both arithmetic and logic operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a core in a multicore processor?

An individual processing unit Signup and view all the answers

During which generation did the integration of multiple transistors onto a single chip begin?

Fourth Generation Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the IBM System/360 when it was announced in 1964?

It introduced the concept of a planned family of compatible computers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of integration allows for many transistors to be produced at the same time on a single silicon wafer?

Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) Signup and view all the answers

What advancement in microprocessor technology was marked by the introduction of the Intel 4004 in 1971?

First chip to contain all CPU components on a single chip. Signup and view all the answers

What does Moore's Law predict regarding the number of transistors on a chip?

It will double every 18 months. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processors was the first 8-bit microprocessor developed by Intel?

Intel 8008 Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Application Processors?

They can execute complex operating systems and support multiple applications. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of the Intel 8080 microprocessor released in 1974?

It was a general-purpose microprocessor with a large addressing capability. Signup and view all the answers

Which embedded system characteristic can impose real-time constraints?

Tight coupling to their environment. Signup and view all the answers

How does the performance and capacity of computer systems compare to past mainframe computers?

Today's laptops are equivalent in computing power to mainframe computers from 10-15 years ago. Signup and view all the answers

Which architecture is characterized by complex instruction set computers (CISCs)?

Intel x86 architecture. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes three generations of computers using integrated circuits?

The introduction of transistors to replace vacuum tubes. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the ARM architecture in the context of embedded systems?

It is a RISC-based architecture that focuses on high-speed processing and efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the timing of operations in embedded systems?

Real-time constraints imposed by the physical environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a dedicated processor?

Microcontroller in a washing machine. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer System Components

A complete computer system consists of hardware, operating system, application programs, and end users.
Hardware includes the physical components of a computer.
The operating system allows interaction between software, applications, and hardware.
Application programs are specialized software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers.
End users are either human users or other computers.

Definition of a Computer

A computer is defined as a machine that computes, evolving from devices like the abacus.
It stores data in various forms and interacts with external devices such as monitors and printers.
Key functions include executing programs and data processing.

Basic Functions of a Computer

Data Processing: Involves various forms of data and broad processing requirements.
Data Storage: Includes both short-term and long-term storage solutions.
Data Movement: Involves input-output (I/O) operations and data communications over distances.
Control: The control unit manages resources and executes instructions.

Major Structural Components

CPU (Central Processing Unit): Controls operations and processes data.
Main Memory: Stores data temporarily.
I/O Components: Facilitate data transfer between the computer and external devices.
System Interconnection: Communicates between CPU, main memory, and I/O components.

CPU Structure

Control Unit: Manages CPU operations.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Conducts data processing.
Registers: Provide internal storage within the CPU.
CPU Interconnection: Allows communication among the control unit, ALU, and registers.

Multicore Computer Structure

CPU: Fetches and executes instructions, consisting of ALU, control unit, and registers.
Core: An individual processing unit, comparable to a single CPU.
Processor: Physical silicon component with multiple cores; termed multicore if more than one core is present.

Cache Memory

Memory layers between the processor and main memory to speed up access.
Cache is smaller and faster than main memory and holds frequently used data.
Utilizes multiple cache levels (L1, L2, L3) for performance improvement.

Motherboard Components

Contains CPU, main memory chips, and I/O chips.
Hosts processor chip that includes multiple cores and cache components.

History of Computers

First Generation (1946-1957): Featured vacuum tubes; key inventions include the IAS computer based on the stored program concept by John von Neumann.
Second Generation (1957-1964): Transitioned to transistors, providing smaller size, lower cost, and less heat compared to vacuum tubes; emergence of high-level programming languages.

Evolution of Generations

Speed and Technology through Generations:
- 1st: Vacuum tubes (40,000 ops/sec).
- 2nd: Transistors (200,000 ops/sec).
- 3rd: Small scale integration (1,000,000 ops/sec).
- 4th: Large scale integration (10,000,000 ops/sec).
- 5th: Very large scale integration (100,000,000 ops/sec).
- 6th: Ultra large scale integration (>1,000,000,000 ops/sec).

Significant Advancements

Introduction of complex arithmetic and logical units.
Development of system software for program loading, data movement, and common computations.
Peripheral device configurations such as the IBM 7094, demonstrating independent operation through multiplexors.### Integrated Circuits and Third Generation Computers
1958 marks the invention of the integrated circuit, revolutionizing computer hardware.
Discrete components, like single transistors, were expensive to manufacture, leading to advancements.
Key systems: IBM System/360 and PDP-8 (Programmed Data Processor) defined the third generation.

Computer Fundamental Elements

Computers consist of gates, memory cells, and interconnections.
Memory cells store data while gates process data.
Transistors, resistors, and conductors are fabricated from semiconductors like silicon for increased efficiency.

Growth of Transistor Count

The number of transistors on integrated circuits has dramatically increased over time.
AMD Epyc Rome features 39.5 billion transistors (2019).
Growth trends in transistor counts exemplify Moore's Law, predicting a doubling of transistors on chips.

Moore’s Law

Coined by Gordon Moore in 1965, observing the doubling of transistors on chips every year.
In the 1970s, the pace stabilized to every 18 months, sustaining tech growth.
Leads to reduced costs of computing logic, quicker electrical paths, and smaller computer sizes.

IBM System/360

Announced in 1964, establishing IBM's dominance in the computing market.
Introduced a planned family of computers with inter-model compatibility for software.

Microprocessors Development

Intel's 4004 in 1971 was the first complete CPU on a single chip, signaling the microprocessor age.
Subsequent chips introduced included the 8008 (first 8-bit) and the 8080 (first general-purpose microprocessor).

Intel Microprocessor Evolution

Key models: 4004 through 8086 and beyond, showcasing advancements in clock speeds, transistor counts, and architecture:
- 1971: 4004 with 2,300 transistors.
- 1982: 80286 with 134,000 transistors.
- 1997: Pentium II with 7.5 million transistors.

x86 and ARM Architectures

Intel x86 is a complex instruction set computer (CISC); ARM is a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) used extensively in embedded systems.
ARM architecture is lauded for its efficiency and widespread usage in consumer electronics.

Embedded Systems

Billions of embedded computer systems integrate into larger devices annually.
These systems often face real-time constraints to interact with their environment effectively.

Embedded Operating Systems

Two approaches: adapt existing OS for embedded applications or design dedicated OS for specific tasks.
Application processors cater to general functionalities, while dedicated processors optimize for specific operations.

Designing for Performance

Computer systems are now cheaper, with significantly enhanced performance capabilities.
Modern laptops rival older IBM mainframes in processing power.
Diverse applications such as image processing, simulation modeling, and multimedia authoring showcase the power of contemporary microprocessors.
Businesses increasingly depend on high-performance servers for transaction processing and large-scale networks.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of computer systems, including hardware, operating systems, and application programs. It explores the evolution of computers and the performance aspects that influence their functionality. Test your understanding of these key components in the realm of computer organization.