Evolution of Intel Microprocessors Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the von Neumann bottleneck refer to?

The restriction in the number of registers in the CPU

The limitation in input/output mechanisms of the system

The limitation in performance of a system due to external mass storage

The restriction in data transfer speed between the CPU and memory (correct)

Which component of the von Neumann architecture is responsible for handling processor control signals?

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

Control Unit (correct)

Registers

Main Memory Unit

What is the main function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

Directing all input and output flow

Storing results of calculations in registers

Handling calculations like addition, subtraction, and logical operations (correct)

Storing data processed by the CPU

Which component of a CPU architecture stores the results of calculations made by the ALU?

Registers Signup and view all the answers

What is not one of the three basic units of an ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) computer?

Control Center Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a von Neumann architecture computer handles all processor control signals?

Control Unit Signup and view all the answers

Which register holds the intermediate arithmetic and logic results?

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

What is the primary function of the Program Counter (PC)?

To store the memory location of the next instruction to be executed Signup and view all the answers

Which register stores the memory locations of instructions that need to be fetched or stored in memory?

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

What is the primary function of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?

To store instructions fetched from memory or data to be transferred to/from memory Signup and view all the answers

Which register stores the most recently fetched instruction while it is waiting to be coded and executed?

Current Instruction Register (CIR) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Instruction Buffer Register (IBR)?

To store instructions that are not to be executed immediately Signup and view all the answers

What was the key advancement in the fourth generation of microprocessors?

The development of microprocessors Signup and view all the answers

What determines the classification of a microprocessor as a 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit processor?

The word size or the number of bits the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) can handle at a time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 16-bit microprocessor?

Intel 80286 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a chipset in a computer motherboard?

To control the flow of data between the CPU and memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the third generation of microprocessors?

The use of vacuum tubes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of 64-bit processors over 32-bit processors?

Ability to address more memory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Von Neumann Architecture

A design architecture for an electronic digital computer consisting of a processing unit, control unit, memory, external mass storage, input, and output mechanisms.
Also known as ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) computer, comprising three basic units: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Main Memory Unit, and Input/Output Device.

ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) Components

Control Unit: handles all processor control signals, directs input and output flow, fetches code for instructions, and controls data movement.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): performs calculations, logical operations, bit shifting operations, and arithmetic operations.
Registers: high-speed storage areas in the CPU, including:
- Accumulator: stores results of calculations made by ALU.
- Program Counter (PC): keeps track of the memory location of the next instructions to be dealt with.
- Memory Address Register (MAR): stores memory locations of instructions to be fetched from or stored in memory.
- Memory Data Register (MDR): stores instructions fetched from memory or data to be transferred to or from memory.
- Current Instruction Register (CIR): stores the most recently fetched instruction while waiting to be coded and executed.
- Instruction Buffer Register (IBR): stores instructions not to be executed immediately.

Buses

Data Bus: transmits data among the memory unit, I/O devices, and processor.
Address Bus: transmits the address of data between memory and processor.