AL-404 Computer Organization & Architecture - Dec 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aDifferentiate between accumulator, index, stack and general-purpose registers in terms of their functions and usage.
   How to answer

   • Define accumulator, index, stack and general-purpose registers
   • Compare functions: arithmetic/logic, addressing, stack operations, flexible use
   • Compare usage with examples in CPU operations
   • Summarize differences in table form
2. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss the sequence of steps involved in fetching an instruction from memory and executing it.
   How to answer

   • Define fetch-decode-execute cycle
   • List steps: PC to MAR, memory read, IR load, PC increment, decode, execute
   • Explain role of control unit and buses
   • Show flow with diagram
3. 7 Marks
   aDescribe how micro instructions are arranged in control memory and how they are interpreted?
   How to answer

   • Define microinstruction and control memory
   • Explain horizontal vs vertical arrangement / sequencing
   • Explain interpretation via control address register and decoding
   • Mention next-address logic and execution of control signals
4. 7 Marks
   bDraw the flowchart for Booth's algorithm for multiplication of signed 2's complement numbers and explain with an example?
   How to answer

   • State Booth's algorithm steps for 2's complement multiplication
   • Provide flowchart with Q0, Q-1, A, M, count decisions
   • Work out a signed example e.g. positive x negative
   • Explain shift, add/subtract rules
5. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the basic arithmetic operations supported by floating-point arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
   How to answer

   • Define floating-point format: sign, exponent, mantissa
   • Outline steps for addition/subtraction: align exponents, add, normalize
   • Outline multiplication/division: add/subtract exponents, multiply/divide mantissas
   • Mention rounding and overflow/underflow handling
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat components are required to design the arithmetic unit explain with neat sketch?
   How to answer

   • List components: ALU, registers, shifter, control, status flags
   • Explain function of each in arithmetic unit
   • Provide neat labeled sketch showing interconnections
   • Brief operation example
7. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the fundamental differences between serial and parallel data transfer methods in terms of data transmission, speed and implementation complexity.
   How to answer

   • Define serial vs parallel transfer
   • Compare transmission, speed, cost, complexity
   • Give examples: shift registers vs buses
   • Summarize in table
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat is direct memory transfer? Give an overview and block diagram of a DMA controller?
   How to answer

   • Define DMA / direct memory transfer
   • Explain need to bypass CPU, cycle stealing
   • Describe DMA controller blocks: address, count, control
   • Provide block diagram and operation overview
9. 7 Marks
   aDifferentiate synchronous and asynchronous data transfer?
   How to answer

   • Define synchronous vs asynchronous transfer
   • Compare clock, handshaking, speed, cost
   • Give timing examples
   • Summarize in table
10. 7 Marks
    bExplain the concept of memory hierarchy and its significance in modern computer systems.
    How to answer

    • Define memory hierarchy pyramid: registers to secondary storage
    • Explain speed, cost, capacity trade-offs
    • Explain significance: locality, performance, cost
    • Show diagram of hierarchy
11. 7 Marks
    aCompare and contrast different cache mapping techniques, including direct mapping, set-associative mapping and fully associative mapping. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each mapping technique.
    How to answer

    • Define direct, set-associative, fully associative mapping
    • Explain address division and placement logic
    • Compare hit rate, hardware cost, search speed
    • List advantages and disadvantages of each
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain the concept of memory segmentation and how it complements virtual memory. Discuss the advantages and challenges of using segmentation in memory management.
    How to answer

    • Define segmentation and segment tables
    • Explain how it complements virtual memory/paging
    • Discuss advantages: protection, sharing, logical view
    • Discuss challenges: fragmentation, management overhead
13. 7 Marks
    aDescribe different types of interconnection networks used in multiprocessor systems.
    How to answer

    • Define interconnection networks in multiprocessors
    • Describe bus, crossbar, multistage, hypercube etc.
    • Explain characteristics and scalability
    • Compare with examples
14. 7 Marks
    bDefine array processing and explain its significance in computer architecture and parallel computing.
    How to answer

    • Define array processing / SIMD
    • Explain architecture: single control, multiple ALUs
    • Explain significance in parallel computing and vector ops
    • Give applications
15. 14 Marks
    Write a short note on any two of the following:

    1. a)Instruction types
    2. b)PCI Bus
    3. c)Read Only Memory
    4. d)Inter- processor communication and synchronization
    How to answer

    • Select any two topics from a-d
    • Define each with key features and purpose
    • Explain working with diagram/example where relevant
    • Mention applications and advantages