IT-402 Computer Architecture - Jun 2025 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. Marks
   aDiscuss the evolution of computer generations and how they influenced modern computer architecture.
   How to answer

   • Define five computer generations (vacuum tubes to modern)
   • Explain key technological advances of each era
   • Show impact on architecture design principles
   • Discuss how evolution shaped instruction sets and memory hierarchy
2. Marks
   bCompare and contrast Bus Transfer and Memory Transfer. How do they aid in data movement within CPU?
   How to answer

   • Define bus transfer mechanism and timing
   • Define memory transfer mechanism
   • Compare data path and control signals
   • Explain how each facilitates data flow in CPU
3. Marks
   aHow does control signal coordination affect register transfers within the system?
   How to answer

   • Explain control signal roles in register operations
   • Show timing coordination between signals and transfers
   • Describe synchronization mechanisms
   • Include timing diagram illustrating signal flow
4. Marks
   bDescribe various fixed-point number representations with advantages and disadvantages.
   How to answer

   • Define sign-magnitude, one's complement, and two's complement forms
   • Show binary representation for each with examples
   • List advantages: simplicity, hardware efficiency
   • List disadvantages: range limitations, two zeros in sign-magnitude
5. Marks
   aWhat are the key differences between hardwired and microprogrammed control units?
   How to answer

   • Define hardwired control logic implementation
   • Define microprogrammed control using microcode
   • Compare speed and flexibility
   • Compare design complexity and modification ease
6. Marks
   bAnalyze the advantages of control memory in simplifying instruction execution.
   How to answer

   • Explain microinstruction format in control memory
   • Show how control fields simplify execution steps
   • Discuss flexibility in instruction implementation
   • List advantages: easier modification, reduced hardware complexity
7. Marks
   aExplain stack organization in CPUs. How is it used in function calling and recursion?
   How to answer

   • Define LIFO stack structure with push/pop operations
   • Explain stack pointer and frame pointer roles
   • Show function call sequence with stack diagram
   • Illustrate recursion with stack frames
8. Marks
   bDifferentiate zero, one, two and three-address instruction formats with examples.
   How to answer

   • Define each format with stack/register usage
   • Provide concrete instruction examples for each
   • Compare code length requirements
   • Compare execution cycles and memory access
9. Marks
   aHow do RISC and CISC instruction sets differ in design philosophy and execution?
   How to answer

   • Define RISC philosophy: simple instructions, load/store architecture
   • Define CISC philosophy: complex instructions, multiple addressing modes
   • Compare instruction set size and execution time
   • Discuss pipelining advantages in RISC
10. Marks
    bWhat is Virtual memory? Discuss paging and segmentation with diagrams.
    How to answer

    • Define virtual memory and its advantages
    • Explain paging: page table, page size, address translation
    • Explain segmentation: logical division, segment table
    • Include memory layout diagrams for both mechanisms
11. Marks
    aAnalyze the factors affecting effective memory access time.
    How to answer

    • Define effective access time equation
    • Explain cache hit ratio impact
    • Discuss memory hierarchy levels
    • Show calculation with realistic parameters
12. Marks
    bHow does associative memory differ from main memory? State its advantages.
    How to answer

    • Define associative (content-addressable) memory
    • Explain parallel search capability
    • List advantages: fast search, flexible matching
    • Discuss applications in cache and TLB
13. Marks
    aDescribe arithmetic pipeline design. How does it improve computational speed?
    How to answer

    • Define pipeline stages in arithmetic units
    • Show instruction flow and overlapping execution
    • Explain throughput improvement mechanism
    • Include pipeline diagram with timing
14. Marks
    bDiscuss Memory interleaving. How does it reduce access conflicts in multiprocessors?
    How to answer

    • Define interleaving scheme with multiple memory modules
    • Explain address mapping across modules
    • Show conflict reduction in concurrent accesses
    • Include memory organization diagram
15. Marks
    Write short notes on any two of the following:

    1. a)Parallel Processing
    2. b)Characteristics of Multiprocessors
    3. c)Direct Memory Access (DMA)
    How to answer

    • Define the selected concept with key characteristics
    • Explain operational principles and advantages
    • Provide relevant examples or applications
    • Keep notes concise and focused