AL-404 Computer Organization & Architecture - Jun 2022 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. 8 Marks
   aExplain the structure of desktop system in detail.
   How to answer

   • Define desktop computer system and its functional units
   • Explain CPU, memory, I/O subsystem and buses interconnection
   • Describe motherboard, chipset, interfaces and peripherals
   • Block diagram of desktop system structure
2. 6 Marks
   bDefine the instruction format? Explain I/O System in detail.
   How to answer

   • Define instruction format with opcode and operand fields
   • Explain types of instruction formats
   • Define I/O system and its need
   • Explain I/O techniques - programmed, interrupt, DMA
3. 8 Marks
   aDiscuss Booth algorithm in detail.
   How to answer

   • State need for Booth algorithm for signed multiplication
   • Explain principle with recoding of multiplier bits
   • Give algorithm steps and flowchart
   • Illustrate with example
4. 6 Marks
   bWrite a short note on design of arithmetic unit.
   How to answer

   • Define arithmetic unit and its functions
   • Explain design of adder, subtractor, multiplier
   • Explain ALU control and status flags
   • Block diagram of arithmetic unit
5. 14 Marks
   Explain the following interfaces in detail:

   1. a)PCI BUS
   2. b)SCSI BUS
   3. c)USB BUS
   How to answer

   • Explain PCI BUS architecture, signals and data transfer
   • Explain SCSI BUS architecture, commands and configuration
   • Explain USB BUS architecture, topology and transfer types
   • Comparison of features and applications with diagrams
6. 8 Marks
   aWhat is Memory Organization? Discuss different types of Memory Organization in Computer System.
   How to answer

   • Define memory organization and its role
   • Explain memory hierarchy - registers, cache, main, secondary
   • Discuss RAM, ROM, cache, virtual memory organization
   • Diagram of memory hierarchy
7. 6 Marks
   bWrite a short note on improving cache performance methods in detail.
   How to answer

   • Define cache performance - hit rate, miss penalty
   • Explain factors affecting performance
   • Discuss methods: larger block, associativity, multilevel cache
   • Explain replacement and write policies
8. 7 Marks
   aWhat is Multiprocessor? Explain inter-process communication in detail.
   How to answer

   • Define multiprocessor and its types
   • Define inter-process communication need
   • Explain shared memory vs message passing
   • Explain synchronization issues
9. 7 Marks
   bBriefly explain the concept of pipelining in detail.
   How to answer

   • Define pipelining and its principle
   • Explain pipeline stages - fetch, decode, execute
   • Explain speedup, hazards and advantages
   • Diagram of pipeline execution
10. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss the following in detail: RISC Architecture
    How to answer

    • Define RISC characteristics - simple instructions, load-store
    • Explain RISC pipeline and registers
    • Compare with CISC features
    • Diagram of RISC architecture
11. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the following in detail: Vector processing
    How to answer

    • Define vector processing and need
    • Explain vector processor structure
    • Explain vector instructions and chaining
    • Applications in supercomputers
12. 7 Marks
    aWrite a short note on following: Array processors
    How to answer

    • Define array processor and classification
    • Explain SIMD operation and interconnection
    • Explain applications and advantages
    • Block diagram
13. 7 Marks
    bWrite a short note on following: LRU algorithm
    How to answer

    • Define page replacement and LRU need
    • Explain LRU principle with example
    • Explain implementation using stack/counters
    • Advantages and disadvantages
14. 8 Marks
    aWhat is the format of Micro Instruction in Computer Architecture explain?
    How to answer

    • Define microinstruction and microprogram
    • Explain fields - control signals, next address
    • Explain horizontal vs vertical format
    • Diagram of microinstruction format
15. 6 Marks
    bWhat is the layout of pipelined instruction in Computer Architecture?
    How to answer

    • Define pipelined instruction execution
    • Explain layout/stages of pipeline
    • Explain reservation table and timing
    • Diagram of pipelined layout