Trust Academy

SET A
In Collaboration with

Midlands State University

Diploma Management Information Systems

FINAL EXAMINATION – April 2022

DMIS XXX : INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

TIME : 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1. Answer All Questions in Section A and Three (3) questions in Section B questions
2. Start each question on a new page

There are 5 printed pages for this question paper

SECTION A: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION
Question 1

a. Calculate the decimal equivalents for the binary numbers given below?

i. 1001012 [2]
ii. C00716 [2]
b. Calculate the binary equivalents for the decimal numbers given below?
i. 16410 = ?2 [2]
ii. 26010 = ?16 [2]

c. Calculate the following mathematics

i. 11102 + 11012 = ?2 [2]
ii. 1010012 – 110112 = ?2 [2]
iii. 11012 * 102 = ?2 [2]
iv. 11012 / 112 = ?2 [2]
a. Explain by giving an example the difference between
i. Convert the decimal 97 into 2’s complement? [4]

Question 2

a. Define computer architecture [2]

b. List and describe three buses you learnt in computer architecture? [6]
c. What is the purpose of each registers?
i. Program Counter (PC)? [2]
ii. Address register? [2]
iii. Instructions register? [2]
d. Draw a table and show the differences between RISC and CISC (3)

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

SECTION B: ANSWER THREE (3) QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

Question 3

a. The Harvard and Von Neuman machines are two computer models that are different
i. Draw, label and describe how the two machines are different? [12]
b. Boolean algebra is used in computer architecture
i. Apply Commutative Law on the expression x + y = [2]
ii. Apply the DeMorgan’s Law x+y = [2]
iii. Apply Associative Law on the expression x(yz) = [2]
iv. Apply Distributive Law on the expression x(y + z) = [2]

Question 4

a. Instruction sets are used in computer architecture.

i. What do you understand by the term instruction set [2]
ii. What is the purpose of instruction sets? [2]
iii. List and describe four elements of an instruction [4]
iv. Give four arithmetic operations [2]
b. Human beings interface with input devices to give input to a computer
i. What are peripherals? [2]
ii. Besides keyboard and mouse, give four (4) examples of input devices? [4]
iii. Describe the four input devices that you provided above? [4]

Question 5

a. Addressing modes are used in computer architecture.

i. What do you understand by the term addressing mode? [2]
ii. With the aid of diagrams draw and describe four types of addressing modes [8]
b. A computer processes information and produces output on an output device
i. What is the purpose of output devices [2]
ii. Besides the monitor and printer give two (2) examples of output devices [4]
iii. Describe the output devices that you provided above? [4]
Question 6

a. There are different types of memory types in computer architecture. Write notes on the
following types.
i. List four memory types in their order of speed, starting with the fasted? [4]
ii. Describe the purpose of each of the four memory types that you
listed above? [4]
b. There are different variations of Read Only Memory (ROM)
i. What do you understand by the term ROM? [2]
ii. List four types of ROM [4]

c. Compare the terms given below?

i. Cache hit and Cache miss [4]
ii. Volatile and non-volatile [2]

Question 7

a. What is computer architecture? [2]

b. In computer architecture we use flip-flops. Write notes on the following flip-flops
i. Draw and label an SR flip flop [4]
ii. Draw the truth table for the SR flip flop you drew above [4]
iii. List two purposes of flip-flops? [2]
c. In computer architecture we learned about interrupts.
i. List and describe the purposes of two type of interrupts [4]
ii. Explain why interrupts are important in computer architecture [4]

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

 Trust Academy

SET B
In Collaboration with

Midlands State University

Diploma Management Information Systems

FINAL EXAMINATION – April 2022

DMIS XXX : INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

TIME : 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:

1. Answer All Questions in Section A and Three (3) questions in Section B questions
2. Start each question on a new page

There are 5 printed pages for this question paper

SECTION A: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION
Question 1
 d. Convert the following numbers to their decimal equivalents?
i. 1001002 [2]
ii. 92F16 [2]
e. Convert the following decimal numbers to their equivalents?
i. 5110 = ?2 [2]
ii. 21010 = ?16 [2]

b. Calculate the following mathematics

i. 1111002 + 11112 = ?2 [2]
ii. 100002 – 10112 = ?2 [2]
iii. 111102 * 112 = ?2 [2]
iv. 111102 / 112 = ?2 [2]
c. Convert 010011002 into
i. 1’s complement? [2]
ii. 2’s complement? [2]

Question 2

a. Define a bus as it is used in computer architecture [2]

i. List and describe three buses that are we find computer architecture? [6]
b. The CPU has use different registers in the fetch decode execute cycle
i. List and describe four registers that are used in the CPU? [8]
c. List two processors and show how they differ [4]

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

 d. SECTION B: ANSWER THREE (3) QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

Question 3

a. A Von Neuman Machine and Harvard Machine are computer architectures commonly
used in computer architecture.
i. Draw and label the Von Neumann Machine? [8]
ii. Explain how the major difference between Von Neumann and
Harvard machines differ [4]
b. Many electronic circuits operate using binary logic gates
i. Draw a logic diagram for the expression X = AB [4]
ii. Describe (create a truth-table) the expression given above [4]

Question 4

d. Instruction sets are used in computer architecture.

i. Define an instruction set [3]
ii. Define an operation code (opcode) [2]
iii. Define an Operand [2]
iv. Give three types of instructions sets that you learned about [3]
e. Human beings interface with input devices to give input to a computer
i. Define an input device? [2]
ii. Give four (4) examples of input devices [4]
iii. For each example give an explanation [4]

Question 5

a. Addressing modes are used in computer architecture.

i. Define addressing mode [2]
ii. Give four types of addressing modes [4]
iii. For each type, give an explanation by way of a labeled diagram [4]
 b. A computer processes information and produces output on an output device
i. Define an output device? [2]
ii. Give two (2) examples of output devices [4]
iii. For each example give an explanation [4]

Question 6

a. What is memory [1]

b. There are different types of memory types that we learned in computer architecture. Write
notes on the following types.
i. Cache [2]
ii. RAM [2]
iii. Register [2]
c. There are different variations of Read Only Memory (ROM)
i. Name two types of ROM that you know [2]
ii. Name two types of ROM that you know [2]
iii. For the ROM types you provided above, explain how they differ from each other

[2]
d. Write notes on
i. Cache hit [3]
ii. Cache miss [3]
iii. Volatile and non-volatile [3]

Question 7

a. In computer architecture we learned about interrupts.

i. What is an interrupt? [2]
ii. List two types of hardware interrupts [2]
iii. List two type of or software interrupts [2]
iv. Define interrupt latency [2]

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

b. In computer architecture we use flip-flops. Now write notes on the following flip-flops
i. SR [4]
ii. D [4]
iii. JK [4]
 Trust Academy

SET C
In Collaboration with

Midlands State University

Diploma Management Information Systems

FINAL EXAMINATION – April 2022

DMIS XXX : INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

TIME : 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1. Answer All Questions in Section A and Three (3) questions in Section B questions
2. Start each question on a new page

There are 5 printed pages for this question paper

SECTION A: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

Question 1

a. Convert the following numbers to their decimal equivalents?

i. 1101012 [2]
ii. 8D16 [2]
b. Convert the following decimal numbers to their equivalents?
i. 25310 = ?20 [2]
ii. 9710 = ?7 [2]

c. Calculate the following mathematics

i. 10000112 + 11110012 = ?2 [2]
ii. 1001001002 – 10110012 = ?2 [2]
iii. 11112 * 102 = ?2 [2]
iv. 111112 / 112 = ?2 [2]
d. Write notes on why
i. Computer designers use binary numbers instead of decimal numbers? [2]
ii. Human beings prefer to use decimal numbers? [2]

Question 2

a. Provide answers to the following questions

i. What are the Three (3) types of buses? [3]
ii. For each type of bus identified above state its use? [3]
b. Registers are a type of memory found in the processor.
i. List three registers that you can find in the processor? [3]
ii. For each register you identified above, state it use? [3]
c. Write notes on the following types of microprocessors
i. RISC [3]
ii. CISC [3]
iii. CPU [2]
SECTION B: ANSWER THREE (3) QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

Question 3

a. A Von Neuman Machines are commonly used in computer architecture.

i. Draw, label and explain the Von Neuman architecture? [10]
b. Many electronic circuits operate using binary logic gates
i. Draw the symbol or diagram that are used to represent the logic gates given below
i. AND gate [2]
ii. OR gate [2]
iii. NOT gate [2]
iv. XOR gate [4]

Question 4

a. Given three inputs A, B and C as shown in the Truth Table below

b. Complete the truth table with the correct bits [10]

A B C A+BC
0 0 0
0 0 1 0

1 1
1

c. Boolean algebra is used in computer architecture

i. Define the term Boolean algebra [2]
ii. Give an example of DeMorgan’s Law [4]
iii. Define a logic gate [2]
iv. Give an example of real life application of logic circuits [2]

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

Question 5

f. Instruction sets are used in computer architecture.

i. Define an instruction set [2]
v. Give four elements of an instruction [4]
vi. Give four arithmetic operations [4]
g. Human beings interface with input devices to give input to a computer
iv. Define an input device? [2]
v. Give four (4) examples of input devices [4]
vi. For each example give an explanation [4]

Question 6

a. Addressing modes are used in computer architecture.

i. Label the Direct Addressing Diagram shown below [6]

ii. Give two other labelled addressing mode diagrams [4]

b. You learned about interrupts in computer architecture.
i. Define an interrupt [2]
ii. Give two types of interrupts [2]
iii. With the aid of a diagram describe how an interrupt works [6]
Question 7

a. Define the following

i. RISC [2]
ii. CISC [2]
a. In computer architecture we use flip-flops. Write notes on the following flip-flops
i. SR [4]
ii. JK [4]
iii. What are flip-flops used for? [2]
b. In computer architecture we learned about interrupts.
i. Define an interrupt [2]
ii. Define interrupt latency [2]
iii. List two types of interrupts [2]

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

 Trust Academy

SET D
In Collaboration with

Midlands State University

Diploma Management Information Systems

FINAL EXAMINATION – April 2022

DMIS XXX : INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

TIME : 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
3. Answer All Questions in Section A and Three (3) questions in Section B questions
4. Start each question on a new page

There are 5 printed pages for this question paper

SECTION A: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

Question 1

a. Convert the following numbers to their decimal equivalents?

iii. 1111102 [2]
iv. F111716 [2]
b. Convert the following decimal numbers to their equivalents?
iii. 6710 = ?2 [2]
iv. 255010 = ?16 [2]

d. Calculate the following mathematics

v. 111002 + 111012 = ?2 [2]
vi. 101002 – 11012 = ?2 [2]
vii. 11112 * 102 = ?2 [2]
viii. 10112 / 112 = ?2 [2]
e. Explain by giving an example the difference between
i. 1’s complement and 2’s complement? [4]

Question 2

a. Define computer architecture [2]

b. Buses are pathways which connect computer components in computer architecture. Write
notes on the following:
i. Data bus? [2]
ii. Control bus? [2]
iii. Address bus [2]
c. Registers are storage locations in the processor. Write notes on the following registers.
i. Program Counter (PC)? [2]
ii. Address register? [2]
iii. Instructions register? [2]
d. Write notes on the following types of microprocessors
i. RISC [3]
ii. CISC [3]

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

SECTION B: ANSWER THREE (3) QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

Question 3

a. The diagram below is for a Von Neuman machine

ii. Label components a) to f) [6]

iii. For each component explain the function [6]
c. Many electronic circuits operate using binary logic gates
i. Draw a logic diagram for the expression X = A + B [4]
ii. Create a truth-table for the expression given above [4]

Question 4

a. Instruction sets are used in computer architecture.

i. Define an instruction set [2]
vii. Give four elements of an instruction [4]
viii. Give four arithmetic operations [4]
b. Human beings interface with a input devices to give input to a computer
i. Define an input device? [2]
ii. Give four (4) examples of input devices [4]
iii. For each example give an explanation [4]
Question 5

c. Addressing modes are used in computer architecture.

i. Define addressing mode [2]
ii. Give four types of addressing modes [4]
iii. For each type, give an explanation by way of a labeled diagram [4]
d. A computer processes information and produces output on an output device
i. Define an output device? [2]
ii. Give two (2) examples of output devices [4]
iii. For each example give an explanation [4]

Question 6

a. There are different types of memory types in computer architecture. Write notes on the
following types.
i. Cache [2]
ii. RAM [2]
iii. Register [2]
b. There are different variations of Read Only Memory (ROM). Define the following:
i. PROM [2]
ii. EPROM [2]
iii. EEPROM [2]
c. Answer the following
i. List three general purpose registers [3]
ii. Cache miss [2]
iii. Volatile and non-volatile [2]

Question 7

a. Computers use different types of memory.

i. List four types of memory that you studied in computer architecture [4]
ii. For each memory type you listed above, write its purpose [4]
iii. Order the memory types by speed [2]

Page PAGE 18 of NUMPAGES 19

b. Computers also use Read Only Memory (ROM)
i. Provide two characteristics of ROM [2]
ii. List any two types of ROM that you know [2]
c. In computer architecture you learned about flip-flops
i. Write notes on three types of flip-flops that you know [6]