Computer System Organization (EC-504 (B)) - Important Questions

Explain the Von Neumann model of a computer system, its components with diagram, and how it handles instruction and data processing.

Explain the instruction cycle and its fetch, decode and execute phases, with flowchart/steps and significance.

Differentiate / compare hardwired control unit vs microprogrammed control unit with suitable diagrams. Which one is more flexible and why?

What is the microinstruction format and what are its different fields / role in control memory?

Explain and compare the three data transfer modes: program-controlled (programmed I/O), interrupt-driven I/O, and direct memory access (DMA).

Explain the role and operation of an I/O interface in data transfer.

Describe the organization of cache memory and explain the different mapping techniques (direct, associative, set-associative) with diagrams, and how cache improves processing speed.

Explain the different types of memory and the concept of memory hierarchy and its significance in improving computer performance.

Explain the principles and basic structure of a pipeline processor, including its advantages and limitations.

Explain the concept of instruction pipelining, including the operations in each segment of a four-segment pipeline, and how it improves processor performance.

Explain the different addressing modes of a basic computer with examples.

Explain the working principle of a microprogram sequencer with block diagram.

Describe the process of multiplication in the arithmetic unit. What are the challenges in designing a multiplication circuit?

Explain interfacing of a typical DMA controller to CPU/microprocessor with block diagram and example.

Write a short note on any Two: a) Virtual memory and its benefits b) Associative memory c) Vector and array processors d) Memory maps and memory mapping significance.