• Draw a block diagram of basic components of a computer

system. Explain each component in detail.

1. Input Unit
The Input Unit is responsible for receiving data from external
sources (such as users, other systems, or the environment). It
converts this input into a format that the CPU can process.
• Function: It takes data and instructions from input devices
(like a keyboard, mouse, or sensor) and sends them to the
CPU for processing.
• Examples: Keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner,
sensors, and touchscreens.
2. Memory Unit
The Memory Unit is responsible for storing data and
instructions either temporarily or permanently. It provides fast
access to data that the CPU needs while performing tasks. It is
divided into two types:
• Primary Memory (Main Memory):
o Also called RAM (Random Access Memory), this is
volatile memory that temporarily stores data currently
being used by the CPU.
• Secondary Memory (Storage):
o Also called Non-volatile memory, it includes devices
like hard drives and SSDs, where data is stored
permanently.
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the heart and brain of the computer. It is responsible
for executing instructions and controlling the operations of the
computer. The CPU consists of two major sub-units:
• Control Unit (CU):
o The Control Unit directs the operation of all
components of the computer. It manages the execution
of instructions by fetching them from memory,
decoding them, and controlling the sequence of
operations.
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
o The ALU is responsible for performing all arithmetic
(e.g., addition, subtraction) and logical (e.g., AND,
OR, comparison) operations.
 o Function: It processes mathematical calculations and
logical decision-making required by programs.
4. Output Unit
The Output Unit is responsible for converting processed data
into a human-readable or machine-readable format and
presenting it to users or other systems. The output can be visual,
auditory, or even physical actions (like movements in an IoT
system).
• Examples: Monitors, printers, speakers, and actuators (for
physical actions in IoT devices).

• With an example, write the steps to subtract a large

number from a smaller number using 2’s complement
method.
 • Explain the instruction cycle in detail.

The instruction cycle is the process by which a computer

retrieves, decodes, and executes instructions from memory. This
cycle is repeated continuously as long as the computer is running.
The instruction cycle consists of three main stages:
1. Fetch
In this step, the CPU retrieves the instruction from memory.
• The Program Counter (PC) holds the address of the next
instruction.
• The address is sent to the memory, and the instruction at that
address is fetched and placed into the Instruction Register
(IR).
• The PC is then incremented to point to the next instruction
in memory.
 2. Decode
After fetching, the CPU decodes the instruction.
• The Control Unit (CU) decodes the instruction in the IR to
identify the operation and the operands (data) it requires.
• The CPU understands which operation (e.g., addition,
subtraction) needs to be performed and which registers or
memory locations will be involved.
3. Execute
In the execution phase, the CPU performs the operation specified
by the instruction.
• The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) or another part of
the CPU performs the necessary calculations or operations
(e.g., adding two values, moving data).
• If needed, the result is stored in a register or memory.

• Convert following Decimal no. to its Binary, Oct and Hex

i) 378
ii) 1346
• Explain Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

The PCI bus is designed to meet input/output (I/O) requirements

at a low cost.
It requires very few chips to implement and supports other buses
attached to it.

Key Features:

1. System Bus Utilization:

-The PCI bus bypasses older buses and uses the system bus to
increase bus clock speed.
- It utilizes the CPU data path for efficient processing.

2. Parallel Processing:
It operates concurrently with the processor bus, allowing
better multitasking and performance.

3. High Data Transfer:

Functions with a 64-bit data bus (earlier versions were 32-bit).

Offers high bandwidth, ensuring fast data transfer across the
system.

4. Better Performance:

Delivers high-speed input/output (I/O) processing, enhancing

overall system efficiency.

5. Multiprocessing Support:
 PCI supports both single and multiprocessor systems,
making it versatile for various applications.

• Convert Hex no. to its respective Binary, Decimal and Octal

Number
• Explain the difference between Micro, Mini, Mainframe and
Supercomputer?

• Explain binary fix point representation with simple example

-Fixed-point representation is a method of storing real numbers in
binary form where:
-A specific number of bits is allocated for the integer part.
The remaining bits represent the fractional part.
-The binary point is fixed at a particular position, meaning the
number of bits for the integer and fractional parts remains
constant.
• Difference between microprocessor and microcontroller
• Explain interrupt and class of interrupt.
-An Interrupt is a mechanism that pause the current task to
handle urgent event, ensuring timely responses to real-
world events.
-such as sensor data collection or communication. with
other devices.
interrupts allow efficient management of resources and
power, especially in low-power IOT devices.

• Class of interrupts:

1.Hardware Interrupts: Triggered by external hardware

event like sensor data changes (ex. temperature sensor) or
communication event (ex. Receiving data via wi-fi or
Bluetooth.
2. Software Interrupts: It is generated by software to
request services. like triggering a scheduled task of
handling System error
3.Synchronous Interrupts:
Definition: Synchronous interrupts occur as a result of
events that happen during the program execution. These
events are directly related to the program’s current state or
operation.
Example: An interrupt that occurs when the system timer
triggers after a specific time or when sensor data needs to
be processed immediately while the program is running.
4.Asynchronous Interrupts:
Definition: Asynchronous interrupts occur independently
of the program’s execution flow. These interrupts are
triggered by external events that happen at any time,
without any relation to the program's current instruction.
 Example: An interrupt generated when a user presses a
key on the keyboard or when a sensor sends data to the
system.
5.Maskable Interrupts:
Definition: Maskable interrupts are those that can be
temporarily ignored or disabled by the processor. This is
done by setting a flag in the interrupt controller to prevent
the interrupt from being serviced during critical sections
of the program.
Example: Interrupts generated by peripheral devices, like
a printer or mouse, which can be temporarily ignored if
the CPU is busy with more important tasks.
6.Non-Maskable Interrupts (NMI):
Definition: Non-maskable interrupts are high-priority
interrupts that cannot be ignored by the processor. These
are used for critical situations that require immediate
attention, such as hardware failures.
Example: A hardware failure interrupt that signals the
system to take immediate action, like shutting down to
prevent further damage.

• Explain system bus and interconnection in detail.

System Bus
A system bus is a communication pathway used to transfer
data, addresses, and control signals between different
components of a computer system (such as the CPU,
memory, and input/output devices). It is essential for
enabling communication between the various parts of a
computer, allowing them to work together in harmony.
The system bus is typically composed of three main parts:
1. Data Bus:
o The data bus is a set of wires or pathways that carry

data between components (like the CPU, memory, or

I/O devices).
o It is bidirectional, meaning it can carry data both to

and from the CPU or memory, depending on the

direction of communication.
o The width of the data bus (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit,

64-bit) determines how much data can be transmitted

in one cycle.
2. Address Bus:
o The address bus is used to carry the addresses of data

locations in memory or I/O devices.

o It is unidirectional, as the CPU sends the address of a

memory location or an I/O port to read or write data.

o The width of the address bus determines the

addressable memory space. For example, a 32-bit

address bus can address 2322^{32}232 memory
locations.
3. Control Bus:
o The control bus carries control signals that manage

the operations of the system. These signals direct the

flow of data and operations, like reading from or
writing to memory or activating specific devices.
o The control bus includes signals such as Read/Write,

Clock, Interrupts, and Memory Management Signals.