Microprocessor Introduction and Types of Computers
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Questions and Answers

What was one of the first counting devices used for arithmetic tasks?

  • Pocket calculator
  • Abacus (correct)
  • Integrated Circuit
  • Digital calculator

What was one of the major disadvantages of punch cards?

  • They could not be folded or disfigured (correct)
  • They malfunctioned easily
  • They were too large for storage
  • They were difficult to program

What technology did ENIAC use to perform computations?

  • Transistors
  • Vacuum tubes (correct)
  • Microprocessors
  • Silicon wafers

What is the significance of the level of integration in Integrated Circuits?

<p>It determines how powerful an IC is (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who originally delivered the first microprocessor that could carry out calculator functions?

<p>BUSICOM (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term microprocessor refer to?

<p>A single chip central processing unit integrating ALU, control unit, and bus unit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key development followed the invention of vacuum tubes in computing?

<p>Transistor technology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does NVM stand for in computer terminology?

<p>Non-Volatile Memory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of code is commonly used to represent characters in computers?

<p>ASCII (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size of Op-codes in microprocessors?

<p>8 bits, 16 bits, or 32 bits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form can Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) be stored in?

<p>Packed or Unpacked (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What range does a signed integer byte cover?

<p>-128 to +127 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which microprocessor was primarily used in server systems?

<p>Pentium Pro (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the Intel 8086 and Intel 8088?

<p>8088 is identical to 8086 except for its 8-bit external bus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which device is NOT considered a part of the basic microcomputer structure?

<p>Motherboard (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following microprocessors introduced Superscalar architecture?

<p>Pentium I (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What computing architecture is utilized by Pentium microprocessors to speed up instruction execution?

<p>Reduced Instruction Set Computing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Intel microprocessor is known for being 10 times faster than its predecessor 8008?

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

In computer architecture, which technique involves managing I/O devices through communication via memory addresses?

<p>Memory-mapped I/O (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following microprocessors was widely used in IBM-PC AT systems?

<p>Intel 80286 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) serve in a microprocessor?

<p>Performs arithmetic and logic operations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ALU in a CPU?

<p>To perform arithmetic and logical operations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which components are part of the Control Unit in a CPU?

<p>Timing, Instruction Decoder, Control Logic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is RAM considered?

<p>Temporary storage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of a System Bus?

<p>Address Bus, Data Bus, Control Bus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which device replaced vacuum tubes in digital circuits?

<p>Transistors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the invention of the first practical integrated circuit?

<p>Robert Noyce (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about the Intel 4004 microprocessor?

<p>It contained 2300 transistors and could not run complex software (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Ted Hoff play in microprocessor development?

<p>He created a programmable chip for calculators (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which company initially produced the first microprocessor, before Intel acquired the rights?

<p>BUSICOM (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the first product developed by Microsoft?

<p>Basic interpreter for ALTAR (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the CPU in a microprocessor system?

<p>Execute computer programs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which microprocessor was introduced in late 1971?

<p>Intel 8008 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much memory can the Intel 8086/8088 handle?

<p>1MB (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes an interrupt in a microprocessor system?

<p>Signals indicating the need for attention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Intel 8080 from the Intel 8008?

<p>It operates at ten times the speed of the 8008 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of microprocessor is the Intel 80x86 family considered to be?

<p>16-bit microprocessors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for producing TV video signals in a microprocessor system?

<p>Video Display Controller (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature is a timing device in a computer system known as?

<p>Watchdog Timer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a coprocessor in a microprocessor system?

<p>For floating point and graphics processing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the microprocessor can indicate multitasking capabilities?

<p>Interrupt signals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Abacus

The first computing device used for arithmetic tasks.

Analog Computers

Early computers that processed information using physical quantities like voltage or pressure, for example, in astronomical calculations.

First Digital Calculators

These were devices like pocket calculators that performed basic arithmetic operations like multiplication and division.

Slide Rule

A device that used distances and intervals on a line to represent real numbers, initially for scientific calculations.

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Punched Card Technology

A technology where instructions were coded using holes punched on cards, used to control machines or programs.

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ENIAC

A device using vacuum tubes for processing data, one of the early electronic computers.

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Transistors

A semiconductor device that revolutionized electronics, replacing bulky vacuum tubes, paving the way for smaller and more powerful computers.

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Intel 4004

The first single-chip microprocessor, marking a significant milestone in computing.

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Intel 8008

An 8-bit microprocessor that paved the way for more powerful processors.

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Intel 8080

A faster processor that significantly improved computing performance.

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Intel 8085

A microprocessor specifically used to control peripherals like printers and disk drives.

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Intel 8086

A microprocessor used in portable computing, taking the power of microprocessors to smaller devices.

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Intel 8088

Very similar to the 8086, but with an 8-bit external bus, which means it communicates data in smaller chunks.

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Intel 80186

A microprocessor primarily used in embedded systems like industrial machines and appliances.

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Intel 80188

Similar to the 80186, but with an 8-bit external data bus, making its data transfer slower than the 80186.

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Intel 80286

A microprocessor widely used in IBM-PC AT and compatible computers, marking a significant era in personal computing.

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What is an ALU?

A circuit within the CPU responsible for carrying out mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, etc.) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).

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What does the Control Unit (CU) do?

The component of the CPU that controls the flow of instructions and data within the computer system.

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What is RAM?

A type of memory that stores data temporarily, losing its contents when the power is turned off.

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What is ROM?

A type of memory that retains its data even when the power is off.

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What is a System Bus?

A group of communication lines that allow different parts of a computer system to exchange data and instructions.

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What is the Data Bus?

The part of the bus that carries data between the CPU and other components like memory.

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What is the Address Bus?

The part of the bus that carries memory addresses, allowing the CPU to access specific memory locations.

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What is the Control Bus?

The part of the bus that carries control signals, coordinating the actions of different components.

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What is a transistor?

A type of electronic switch that revolutionized computing, replacing bulky vacuum tubes.

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What was the first microprocessor?

The first microprocessor created specifically for use in calculators.

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Hardware and software interrupt

A special program or hardware that allows a process to get immediate attention from the CPU, interrupting the normal flow of execution.

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Timers using interrupts

A type of interrupt that is frequently used for timing events and counting operations, helping control the speed of a program.

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How Control Unit directs the CPU

The Control Unit orchestrates the execution of instructions, fetching data, and directing the flow of information between the CPU and peripheral devices.

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RISC: Reduced Instruction Set Computing

A type of computer architecture that focuses on simplicity and efficiency by using a limited set of instructions.

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Watchdog Monitor's importance

A built-in system that monitors the computer to ensure it's working properly, resetting it if it detects errors. It safeguards against unexpected behavior.

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What is the CPU and what does it do?

The central processing unit (CPU) is the 'brain' of the computer; It's a complex circuit that executes instructions from programs.

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What is the System Bus?

The System Bus is a set of electrical pathways that connect different components of a computer system like the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices.

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What are Interrupts and what are they for?

Interrupts are signals that tell the CPU to stop its current task and handle something urgent, like a key press or an error.

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What are the types of Interrupts?

Maskable Interrupts (IRQ) are signals that the CPU can choose to ignore if it is busy with another task, but Non-Maskable Interrupts (NMI) are always handled by the CPU.

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What is a Video Display Controller?

A Video Display Controller is a special circuit in the computer that manages the image you see on your screen; it converts computer data into a video signal that can be displayed.

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What does a Coprocessor do?

A Coprocessor is like an assistant to the CPU, handling specific tasks like advanced calculations, graphics, or encryption.

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What is a Watchdog Timer?

A Watchdog Timer is a timing device that monitors the CPU's activity and resets the system if it detects a problem or if the CPU stops responding.

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Study Notes

Microprocessor Introduction

  • Computers have evolved significantly from their early forms like the abacus to modern designs.
  • Early computers, like ENIAC, used vacuum tubes.
  • Transistors replaced vacuum tubes for better performance.
  • Integrated Circuits (ICs) combined transistors on a silicon chip.
  • Microprocessors miniaturize the central processing unit (CPU) onto a single chip.
  • Microprocessors offer increased speed, lowered cost, and smaller size.
  • The first microprocessor was designed by BUSICOM.
  • Intel later acquired the rights for the design.
  • This paved the way for the development of many different microprocessor models.

Types of Computers and Microprocessors

  • Early computers focused on tasks like arithmetic and astronomical calculations.
  • Analog computers performed calculations with continuous variables.
  • Digital computers perform calculations with discrete digits leading to faster computation.
  • Punched cards were used for controlling program lines.
  • Pocket calculators and slide rules were also early forms of computation devices.

Key Components of Microprocessors

  • CPU: The central processing unit, performing computing operations.
  • ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit, carries out arithmetic operations.
  • CU: Control Unit, manages instructions.
  • Memory: Holds data and instructions.
  • I/O Ports: Communicates with external devices.
  • Bus: Provides communication pathways.

Types of Microprocessors

  • Intel 4004: The first single-chip microprocessor.
  • Intel 8008: 8-bit microprocessor.
  • Intel 8080: A significant improvement on the 8008, faster processing.
  • Intel 8085: Used as a peripheral component.
  • Pentium I thru Pentium 4
  • Various other CPUs/microprocessors exist.

Functions & Features

  • RISC: reduced instruction set computing. Improves speed.
  • Microcontroller: Enhancements to a standard microprocessor, with memory, I/O ports.
  • Microcomputers: A complete computing system combining microprocessor, memory and I/O.
  • Motherboard: Houses microprocessor, memory and I/O components.

Interrupts

  • Interrupts are signals prompting the CPU to perform specific tasks.
  • Interrupt types:
    • Maskable: Can be paused during an urgent event
    • Non-Maskable: Cannot be paused

Microprocessor Data Organization

  • Data is organized in binary.
  • ASCII is a code for representing characters.
  • Op-codes instruct the computer.
  • Byte Size and Data Storage.
  • Floating Point Numbers.

Questions (from the OCR'd document)

  • Hardware vs Software interrupts
  • Interrupts (timers, communication)
  • Microprocessor operation control (CU)
  • RISC
  • Watchdog monitor importance
  • First computer use of Intel 8080
  • Function of three buses (Address, Data and Control)
  • Examples of Internal and External buses
  • Questions about signed/unsigned integers/binary conversion
  • Data storage format (ASCII/binary).
  • Packed/Unpacked BCD encoding

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Related Documents

Lecture Notes in Microprocessors PDF

Description

This quiz delves into the evolution of computers from early models to modern microprocessors. You'll explore key milestones such as the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors and the significance of integrated circuits. Gain insights into different types of computers and their functionalities in modern technology.

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