Computer Architecture Mid-Term Exam 2024 PDF

Computer Architecture and Organization Mid-Term ExamOctober 28, 2024 Computer Architecture and Organization Mid-Term Exam Course: Computer Architecture and Organization Duration: 2 hours Total Marks: 100 Section A: Multi...

Computer Architecture and Organization Mid-Term ExamOctober 28, 2024 Computer Architecture and Organization Mid-Term Exam Course: Computer Architecture and Organization Duration: 2 hours Total Marks: 100 Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (10 marks) 1. Which of the following is considered the ”brain” of the computer? (a) a) RAM (b) b) CPU (c) c) Hard Drive (d) d) GPU 2. What is the primary function of the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)? (a) a) Store data (b) b) Perform calculations and logical operations (c) c) Manage memory (d) d) Control input and output devices 3. In a computer, the term ”bus” refers to: (a) a) A network of wires that carry data (b) b) A type of memory (c) c) A peripheral device (d) d) A storage medium 4. Which memory type is the fastest? (a) a) Cache memory  (b) b) RAM (c) c) Hard disk (d) d) Flash memory 5. The instruction set architecture (ISA) defines: (a) a) The physical layout of the CPU (b) b) The set of instructions that a processor can execute (c) c) The speed of the processor (d) d) The storage capacity of the computer Section B: Short Answer Questions (40 marks) 1. Basic Concepts (8 marks) Explain the difference between RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Com- puter) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) architectures. 2. Memory Hierarchy (10 marks) Describe the memory hierarchy in a computer system. Explain the differences between each level and the trade-offs involved. 3. Pipelining (8 marks) What is pipelining in computer architecture? Discuss its advantages and potential hazards. 4. Instruction Execution (6 marks) Describe the basic steps involved in the instruction execution cycle. 5. Cache Memory (8 marks) Explain the concept of cache memory. What is its purpose, and how does it improve system performance? Section C: Coding/Design Tasks (50 marks) 1. Microarchitecture Design (20 marks) Design a simple microarchitecture for a hypothetical CPU. Include the following components: ALU Register file 2  Control unit Memory interface Provide a brief description of each component’s function within the microarchitecture. 2. Data Path Design (15 marks) Draw a data path diagram for a simple instruction such as ADD R1, R2, R3 (where R1 = R2 + R3). Include all necessary components such as registers, ALU, and multiplexers. Label the inputs and outputs clearly. 3. Performance Analysis (15 marks) Suppose you have a computer system with a clock speed of 2 GHz and a CPI (Cycles Per Instruction) of 4. Calculate the theoretical maximum performance of the system in MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). Show your work. Bonus Question (Optional - 5 marks) Discuss the role of the Control Unit in a CPU. How does it coordinate the execution of instructions? 3