Computer Organization: Interconnection and Buses

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What is the purpose of interconnection in a computer system?

To allow communication between different units such as memory, input/output, and CPU (correct)

To provide power supply to the computer units

To physically connect the computer modules together

To cool down the computer units during operation

What is the function of an I/O module in a computer system?

Receive addresses from peripheral and send data to computer

Write out data after processing

Read instructions and data from memory

Receive data from computer and send data to peripheral (correct)

What does a CPU primarily do in the context of interconnection?

Writes out data and sends control signals to peripherals

Reads instructions and data, and receives interrupts (correct)

Receives addresses from the computer

Receives data from and sends data to the I/O module

What is a bus in the context of computer architecture?

A shared communication pathway connecting two or more devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a 32-bit data bus?

It consists of 32 separate single bit channels Signup and view all the answers

Which type of unit receives addresses and control signals in a computer system?

Input/Output unit Signup and view all the answers

What does the data bus carry at this level?

Both data and instruction Signup and view all the answers

In bus architecture, what does the address bus identify?

Source or destination of data Signup and view all the answers

What is the key determinant of performance in bus architecture?

Bus width Signup and view all the answers

What does the bus width determine in a system?

Maximum memory capacity Signup and view all the answers

What problems are associated with lots of devices on a single bus?

Both propagation delays and reduction in clock speed Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bus has separate data and address lines?

Dedicated bus Signup and view all the answers

In bus arbitration, what does centralised arbitration involve?

Single hardware device controlling bus access Signup and view all the answers

What does the control bus carry in terms of information?

All control and timing information Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an I/O module in a computer system?

It serves as an interface to the processor and memory via the system bus and also interfaces with one or more peripheral devices through data links. Signup and view all the answers

Why are peripherals not connected directly to the system bus?

Peripherals deliver different amounts of data at different speeds and in different formats, making direct connection infeasible. Signup and view all the answers

What types of devices are typically interfaced with an I/O module?

Human readable devices like screens and printers, as well as machine readable devices such as magnetic disks and sensors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the data transfer rate of peripherals being slower than that of the CPU and RAM?

The wide variety of peripherals delivering different amounts of data at different speeds and in different formats. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Interrupt Driven I/O?

To overcome CPU waiting and avoid repeated CPU checking of device Signup and view all the answers

What technique allows the CPU to have direct control over I/O?

Programmed I/O Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Control & Timing block in the External Device Block Diagram?

To manage the flow of data between external devices and the processor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Memory mapped I/O and Isolated I/O?

Memory mapped I/O has separate address spaces for devices and memory, while Isolated I/O shares an address space with memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 8259A interrupt controller in the context of an 8086-based system?

To provide interrupt processing capability, including determining priority and signaling the CPU Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the External Device Block Diagram in a computer system?

To manage the flow of data between devices and the processor Signup and view all the answers

In bus architecture, what does isolated I/O require that memory mapped I/O does not?

Memory select lines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Programmed Interrupt Driven I/O?

Interrupting CPU when ready for data transfer Signup and view all the answers