CSE 315: Microprocessor Memory Organization

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates RAM from EEPROM?

RAM can be changed during operation, while EEPROM cannot

RAM retains information even when power is off

EEPROM is made of magnetic core memory

EEPROM can be programmed and erased byte by byte (correct)

Which type of RAM requires power even when the chip is in standby mode?

Buffered RAM

Magnetic core RAM

Static RAM (correct)

Dynamic RAM

What is a critical requirement for dynamic RAM to prevent information loss?

It requires external power for every operation

It should use static charges

It must be refreshed at regular intervals (correct)

It needs to be erased frequently

Which statement accurately describes static RAM compared to dynamic RAM?

Static RAM does not need refreshing to retain information Signup and view all the answers

What type of transistors are used in dynamic RAM to store information?

MOS transistors Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in executing an instruction in a microprocessor?

Instruction Fetch Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the microprocessor performs arithmetic and logic operations?

Arithmetic Logic Unit Signup and view all the answers

What does the Control Unit do during the Instruction Decode step?

Interprets the instruction Signup and view all the answers

Which architecture typically uses a smaller number of simple instructions?

RISC Signup and view all the answers

How does CISC architecture benefit programmers compared to RISC?

Fewer instructions to write for the same task Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the instruction execution process?

Store Result Signup and view all the answers

Why might programming for RISC be considered more difficult than for CISC?

It requires more instructions to accomplish tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the instruction execution process?

Instruction Store Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of CISC architecture?

It typically contains a large number of complex instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes volatile memory from nonvolatile memory?

Volatile memory loses data when power is off Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of RISC architecture?

It is generally faster and cheaper. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory can the CPU access directly?

Main memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the memory unit in a microcomputer system?

To hold programs and data. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is considered volatile?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of masked ROM?

It is programmed by the manufacturer Signup and view all the answers

What kind of memory is designed to operate at speeds close to that of the processor?

Processor memory Signup and view all the answers

What describes the capability of flash memory in comparison to EPROM?

Flash memory can be erased block by block Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of primary memory?

Floppy disk Signup and view all the answers

What is the design trade-off involved in creating a memory unit?

Balancing cost with operating speed. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to data stored in volatile memory when power is lost?

Data is lost Signup and view all the answers

Which form of memory is NOT non-volatile?

Dynamic RAM Signup and view all the answers

What role do CPU registers play in a microcomputer system?

They hold temporary results during computation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the One Time Programmable ROM (OTP ROM)?

Can be programmed once and cannot be changed afterward Signup and view all the answers

Which memory type requires strong ultraviolet light for data erasure?

UV Erasable Programmable ROM Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory Organization in Microcomputer Systems

Memory is external to the CPU and essential for storing the executing program.
Instruction execution involves four main steps: Fetch, Decode, Execute, and Store Result, collectively known as the machine cycle.

Instruction Execution Steps

Instruction Fetch: Control unit retrieves instructions from main memory to CPU registers.
Instruction Decode: The control unit decodes the instruction, sending signals and data to the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
Instruction Execute: The ALU processes the data and performs arithmetic and logic operations based on the instruction.
Store Result: Result is stored in the Accumulator or main memory by the control unit.

Microprocessor Architecture

Microprocessors operate using an instruction set, categorized primarily into RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer).

RISC vs. CISC

RISC features a smaller number of simpler instructions, allowing higher clock speeds and processing more instructions per cycle.
CISC contains a large variety of complex instructions but processes fewer instructions per cycle.
RISC architecture is associated with companies like Apple and SUN, while Intel and AMD are known for CISC, with the 8086 microprocessor exemplifying CISC architecture.

Purpose of Memory

Memory units hold programs and data for execution.
Design goals include achieving high speeds to match processor performance while balancing cost and technology.

Types of Memory

Processor Memory: A set of CPU registers for temporary data storage during computation.
Primary Memory (Main Memory): Directly accessible by the CPU, includes volatile (RAM) and non-volatile (ROM) types.
Secondary Memory: Includes storage devices like hard disks and CDs, not directly accessible by the CPU.

Primary Memory Types

Volatile Memory (e.g., RAM): Loses data when power is turned off.
Non-volatile Memory: Retains data without power, includes various types of ROM.

Types of ROM

Masked ROM (MROM): Pre-programmed by manufacturers for large-scale production.
One-Time Programmable ROM (OTP ROM): Program can be written once; cannot be changed after programming.
UV Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM): Data can be erased with ultraviolet light and a new program can be written.
Flash Memory: Can be written and erased numerous times, introduced by Intel in the 1980s.
Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM): Allows byte-by-byte programming and erasing, retains data like ROM.

RAM Variants

Static RAM (SRAM): Maintains data in active circuits; requires continuous power and is larger and more expensive.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Stores data in capacitors; data must be refreshed regularly to prevent loss of information.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the memory organization of microcomputer systems as covered in CSE 315. Understanding how memory interacts with the CPU and its role in program execution is critical for mastering microprocessors. Prepare to test your knowledge on these essential concepts.