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Unit V Memory and I

The document discusses key concepts in memory and I/O, including cache mapping techniques, the importance of efficient page fault handling in virtual memory, and the advantages of Direct Memory Access (DMA) over programmed I/O. It also covers the differences between volatile and non-volatile memory, various cache mapping techniques, and the significance of the USB standard in modern computing. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of cache replacement policies and the distinctions between parallel and serial interfaces.

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Mr. K. John Samuel Raj ECE/ A.P
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13 views2 pages

Unit V Memory and I

The document discusses key concepts in memory and I/O, including cache mapping techniques, the importance of efficient page fault handling in virtual memory, and the advantages of Direct Memory Access (DMA) over programmed I/O. It also covers the differences between volatile and non-volatile memory, various cache mapping techniques, and the significance of the USB standard in modern computing. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of cache replacement policies and the distinctions between parallel and serial interfaces.

Uploaded by

Mr. K. John Samuel Raj ECE/ A.P
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNIT V MEMORY AND I/O

1.Why are cache mapping techniques used in cache memory design?

Cache mapping techniques are used to determine how data from main memory is placed
into cache lines. These techniques help optimize cache performance by reducing the likelihood of
cache misses and ensuring that frequently accessed data is quickly available. Different mapping
techniques, such as direct-mapped, fully associative, and set-associative, offer trade-offs between
complexity and performance, allowing the design to meet specific performance and cost
requirements.

2.Why is it important to handle page faults efficiently in a virtual memory system?

Handling page faults efficiently is crucial because page faults occur when a program tries to
access data that is not currently in physical memory, triggering a delay as the data is loaded from
disk. Efficient handling minimizes the time spent waiting for data to be loaded and reduces the
impact on system performance. Techniques such as page replacement algorithms and optimized disk
access are used to manage page faults effectively and ensure smooth system operation.

3.Why is Direct Memory Access (DMA) used instead of programmed I/O for data transfers?

DMA is used instead of programmed I/O because it offloads data transfer tasks from the
CPU, allowing the CPU to perform other operations while data is being transferred directly between
peripherals and memory. This improves overall system efficiency and performance by reducing CPU
overhead and minimizing the time the CPU spends managing I/O operations. DMA enables faster and
more efficient data transfers, which is especially beneficial for high-speed data operations.

4.Why are interrupts used in I/O operations rather than polling?

Interrupts are used in I/O operations instead of polling because they provide a more
efficient way to handle events. Polling requires the CPU to repeatedly check the status of an I/O
device, which can waste CPU resources and time. Interrupts allow devices to signal the CPU only
when they need attention, reducing unnecessary CPU cycles and improving system responsiveness.
This event-driven approach enables the CPU to perform other tasks and respond to I/O events as
they occur, leading to better overall system performance.

5.Describe the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory.

Volatile memory requires power to maintain the stored information. Once power is lost, the
data is erased. Examples include RAM (Random Access Memory). Non-volatile memory retains data
even when the power is turned off. Examples include ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, and
hard drives.

6.What are the three main cache mapping techniques?

The three main cache mapping techniques are:

1. Direct Mapping: Each block of main memory maps to exactly one cache line. It's simple but
can lead to high conflict misses.

2. Fully Associative Mapping: Any block of main memory can be placed in any cache line. This
reduces conflict misses but is more complex and expensive.
3. Set-Associative Mapping: A compromise between direct and fully associative mapping,
where the cache is divided into sets, and each block maps to a specific set but can occupy
any line within that set.

7.What is the difference between parallel and serial interfaces?

Parallel interfaces transmit multiple bits of data simultaneously across multiple channels
or wires, which allows for higher data transfer rates but can be limited by signal degradation
and physical constraints. Serial interfaces transmit data one bit at a time over a single channel
or wire, which generally offers slower transfer rates but is simpler, more reliable, and suitable
for longer distances.

8.Why is a cache replacement policy necessary?

A cache replacement policy is necessary to decide which cache entries to evict when
new data needs to be loaded into the cache. Without a replacement policy, the cache could
quickly fill up with outdated or less useful data, leading to decreased performance due to
cache misses. Replacement policies, such as LRU or FIFO, help ensure that the most relevant
and frequently accessed data remains in the cache, improving the overall efficiency and speed
of data retrieval.

9.What is DMA and what are its benefits?

DMA (Direct Memory Access) is a technique that allows peripherals to communicate


directly with the system memory without involving the CPU. This improves system
performance by offloading data transfer tasks from the CPU to the DMA controller, allowing
the CPU to perform other tasks while data is transferred in the background.

10.Why is the USB standard important for modern computing devices?

The USB standard is important because it provides a universal, standardized interface


for connecting a wide range of peripherals to computers. USB supports hot-swapping, plug-
and-play functionality, and both data transfer and power delivery, simplifying the connection
of devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and external storage. The evolution of USB
standards, from USB 1.0 to USB-C, has introduced faster speeds and more features, making it
a versatile and widely adopted interface in modern computing.

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