IT-402 Computer 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
   aDescribe the Von Neumann model of computer architecture. What are its main components?
   How to answer

   • Definition of Von Neumann stored-program model
   • Main components: memory, CPU (CU+ALU+registers), I/O, buses
   • Working: fetch-decode-execute cycle
   • Block diagram of model
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the key characteristics of each computer generation, from the first to the fifth? Discuss.
   How to answer

   • List five generations with period and technology
   • Key characteristics: hardware, software, speed, examples
   • Comparison across generations
   • Conclusion on evolution
3. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the basic operations involved in Register Transfer and how they contribute to the execution of instructions.
   How to answer

   • Definition of register transfer and micro-operations
   • Types: transfer, arithmetic, logic, shift operations
   • Role in instruction execution phases
   • Example with notation
4. 7 Marks
   bExplain the concept of memory-mapped I/O and how it utilizes the memory bus for data transfer.
   How to answer

   • Definition of memory-mapped I/O vs isolated I/O
   • Shared address space and bus usage
   • Data transfer mechanism
   • Advantages and disadvantages
5. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the architecture and functionality of an ALU in a CPU.
   How to answer

   • Block diagram of ALU with inputs, status flags
   • Arithmetic vs logic unit functions
   • Role of control signals from CU
   • Interaction with registers and CPU
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain sign-magnitude 1's and 2's complement. Also define the its Range.
   How to answer

   • Definition of sign-magnitude representation
   • 1's complement formation and range
   • 2's complement formation and range
   • Example values and range formulas
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain the concept of control memory and its role in micro-programmed control units.
   How to answer

   • Definition of control memory and microinstructions
   • Storage of microprograms
   • Role in sequencing control signals
   • Relation to micro-programmed control unit
8. 7 Marks
   bDescribe the structure and functioning of a hardwired micro-programmed control unit.
   How to answer

   • Block diagram of hardwired control unit
   • Use of combinational logic, decoders, sequencers
   • Working for generating control signals
   • Comparison with micro-programmed approach
9. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the concept of Stack Organization and its implementation in memory management.
   How to answer

   • Definition of stack organization and LIFO
   • Register stack vs memory stack with SP
   • PUSH and POP operations
   • Role in subroutine and memory management
10. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the various addressing modes commonly found in RISC and CISC architectures.
    How to answer

    • Definition of addressing modes
    • Modes in RISC vs CISC
    • Examples of each mode
    • Impact on instruction length and complexity
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain the working principle of Direct Memory Access. Also Discuss the benefits of using DMA.
    How to answer

    • Block diagram of DMA controller and bus request
    • Cycle stealing and transfer steps
    • Modes of DMA operation
    • Benefits: CPU offload, speed
12. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the different types of Parallel Processing architectures commonly used in computer systems.
    How to answer

    • Definition of parallel processing
    • SISD, SIMD, MISD, MIMD classification
    • Pipelining, array and multiprocessors
    • Examples and applications
13. 7 Marks
    aExplain the concept of an Arithmetic Pipeline and its role in improving the performance of arithmetic operations in a processor.
    How to answer

    • Definition and stages of arithmetic pipeline
    • Example: floating-point addition pipeline
    • Speedup and throughput improvement
    • Hazards and limitations
14. 7 Marks
    bWhat is a TLB, and what is its role in virtual memory management?
    How to answer

    • Definition of TLB as cache for page table
    • Working in address translation
    • Role in reducing memory accesses
    • Diagram of virtual to physical translation
15. 14 Marks
    Write a short notes on:

    1. a)Virtual memory
    2. b)Paging
    3. c)Memory Interleaving
    How to answer

    • Definition and need for virtual memory
    • Paging concept with page table
    • Memory interleaving for bandwidth
    • Diagrams and advantages