Computer Org. & Architecture (CS-404) - Important Questions

Draw and explain the basic structure / architecture of a computer system with a neat block diagram.

Explain the concept of bus structure and how it aids in CPU and memory communication.

Explain the fetch-execute cycle, including sequence of fetch and execute steps and roles of program counter, instruction register and memory registers.

Differentiate between hardwired and micro-programmed control units and explain each component of hardwired control unit organization.

Draw the flowchart for Booth's algorithm for multiplication of signed numbers and apply it to multiply (-13) x (8).

Draw the flowchart for restoring division operation and perform binary division using non-restoring division method.

Explain what Direct Memory Access (DMA) is and how DMA operation / DMA controller works with block diagram.

Explain the working of PCI bus and other I/O interfaces such as SCSI bus and USB bus and how they improve I/O performance.

Explain asynchronous data transfer and its strobe control and handshaking methods.

What is cache mapping? Explain the different cache mapping techniques with examples.

Compare and differentiate RISC vs CISC architectures, including definitions, characteristics and examples.

Explain the concept of pipelining and how it improves instruction execution throughput and system performance.

What is a multiprocessor? Explain inter-processor communication, synchronization and arbitration in detail.

Explain the concept of vector processing and its advantages over scalar processing.

Explain the architecture of Intel multicore processors with suitable diagrams.

Compare magnetic tape, magnetic disk (HDD) and optical storage in terms of access time, reliability, cost and advantages/disadvantages.