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CSC 305 pAST Questions

The document explains key concepts in computer architecture, including pipelining, instruction cycles, and addressing modes. It discusses pipeline hazards such as structural, data, and control hazards, and contrasts computer architecture with organization. Additionally, it covers bus types, the importance of computer memory, and various memory types like internal memory, PROM, EEPROM, cache, external storage, SSDs, and virtual memory.

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16 views4 pages

CSC 305 pAST Questions

The document explains key concepts in computer architecture, including pipelining, instruction cycles, and addressing modes. It discusses pipeline hazards such as structural, data, and control hazards, and contrasts computer architecture with organization. Additionally, it covers bus types, the importance of computer memory, and various memory types like internal memory, PROM, EEPROM, cache, external storage, SSDs, and virtual memory.

Uploaded by

shdj.shdhxh474
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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Question 1

a) Explain the theory of Pipelining.


Pipelining is a technique used in computer architecture to increase the instruction
throughput by overlapping the execution of multiple instructions. Each instruction is
divided into stages (such as fetch, decode, execute, and write-back), allowing multiple
instructions to be processed simultaneously in different stages. This improves
efficiency by reducing idle time and increasing the number of instructions executed
per unit of time.

b) List and discuss three pipeline hazards.

1. Structural Hazard: Occurs when hardware resources are insufficient to support all active
stages simultaneously (e.g., two instructions need access to the same memory).

2. Data Hazard: Happens when instructions depend on the results of previous instructions that
are not yet available, leading to delays.

3. Control Hazard: Arises from branch instructions, where the next instruction to execute is
uncertain until the branch decision is made.

c) What are the stages of instruction pipeline?

1. Fetch – Retrieve the instruction from memory.


2. Decode – Interpret the instruction.
3. Execute – Perform the operation specified.
4. Memory Access – Access memory if needed.
5. Write-back – Store the result in the appropriate register.

Question 2

a) State the components of an instruction.

1. Opcode – Specifies the operation to be performed.


2. Operands – Provide the data or memory locations involved.
3. Addressing Mode – Defines how to interpret the operands.
b) Explain an instruction cycle.
The instruction cycle is the process through which a CPU executes an instruction. It
consists of:

1. Fetch – Retrieve the instruction from memory.


2. Decode – Interpret the instruction.
3. Execute – Perform the action specified by the instruction.
4. Store – Save the result in memory or a register.

c) List and explain three types of addressing modes.

1. Immediate Addressing – Uses a constant value as an operand.


2. Direct Addressing – Refers to a specific memory location.
3. Register Addressing – Uses a CPU register to hold the operand.

Question 3

a) Explain the differences between Computer architecture and organization.

 Computer Architecture focuses on the design, structure, and functional aspects of a system
(e.g., instruction sets and data formats).
 Computer Organization deals with the physical implementation and how components
interact (e.g., control signals and memory organization).

b) Discuss the Harvard Architecture and show three ways it differs from the Von
Neumann Architecture.
Harvard Architecture uses separate memory for instructions and data, while Von
Neumann Architecture uses a unified memory for both. Differences include:

1. Memory Separation – Harvard separates instructions and data; Von Neumann combines
them.

2. Speed – Harvard allows simultaneous access to data and instructions, increasing speed.
3. Complexity – Harvard is more complex due to dual memory pathways.

c) What are the features common to the two in 3b.


1. Both process instructions sequentially.
2. Both use a central processing unit (CPU).
3. Both rely on registers for fast data access.

Question 4

a) What is a Bus in computer architecture?


A bus is a communication pathway used to transfer data between different
components of a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, and input/output
devices.

b) Name and explain three main types of Buses.

1. Data Bus – Transfers actual data between the CPU and other components.
2. Address Bus – Carries memory addresses to identify data locations.
3. Control Bus – Transmits control signals to coordinate operations.

c) Explain how CPU Buses facilitate data transfer in a computer system.


CPU buses connect the processor to memory and peripherals, ensuring seamless data
exchange. The data bus moves the actual data, the address bus identifies memory
locations, and the control bus manages read/write operations and synchronization.

Question 5

a) Why is the computer memory important?


Computer memory is crucial for storing and retrieving data and instructions required
by the CPU, enabling efficient processing and multitasking.

b) Explain the following types of memory:


i. Internal Memory – Fast, primary storage (RAM, cache) directly accessible by the
CPU.
ii. PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) – Permanent memory that can be
written once.
iii. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) – Can
be reprogrammed and erased using electrical signals.
iv. Cache – Small, high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data.
v. External – Secondary storage (e.g., USB drives, external hard disks) for long-term
data storage.
vi. Solid-state Drives (SSD) – High-speed, durable storage that uses flash memory.
vii. Virtual Memory – A section of the hard drive used to simulate additional RAM
for multitasking.

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