Computer Architecture

Qno.1 (a) One of the key features of von Neumann computer architecture is the use of
buses. Three buses and three descriptions are shown below.
Draw a line to connect each bus to its correct description.

Answer:

(b) The seven stages in a von Neumann fetch-execute cycle are shown in the table below.
Put each stage in the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 7 in the right hand
column. The first one has been done for you.

ANSWER:

The incrementation of the program counter can appear at any stage after 2. All other
stages must be in the correct given order.

Qno.2 An alarm clock is controlled by a microprocessor. It uses the 24 hour clock. The hour is
represented by an 8-bit register, A, and the number of minutes is represented by another 8-bit
register, B.
(a) Identify what time is represented by the following two 8-bit registers.

Answer:
(a) hours: 18
minutes: 53

(b) An alarm has been set for 07:30. Two 8-bit registers, C and D, are used to represent the
hours and minutes of the alarm time.
Show how 07:30 would be represented by these two registers:

Answer:

( c) Describe how the microprocessor can determine when to sound the clock alarm.
Answer:
Any three from:
reads values in registers C and D
and checks the values against those stored in registers A and B
(NOTE: the first two statements can be interchanged, i.e. A and B read first)
If values in corresponding registers are the same
the microprocessor sends a signal to sound alarm/ring
(d) The LCD (liquid crystal display) on the clock face is back-lit using blue LEDs (light emitting
diodes). The brightness of the clock face is determined by the level of light in the room. The

amount of light given out by the LEDs is controlled by a control circuit.

Describe how the sensor, microprocessor and LEDs are used to maintain the correct
brightness of the clock face.
Answer:
(d) Any three from:
uses a light sensor
sends signal/data back to microprocessor
signal/data converted to digital (using ADC)
value compared by microprocessor with pre-set/stored value
if value < stored value, signal sent by microprocessor
to the voltage supply (unit)
value of signal determines voltage supplied/brightness of LED

(e) Modern LCD monitors and televisions use LED back-lit technology.
Give two advantages of using this new technology compared to the older cold cathode
fluorescent lamp (CCFL) method.
Answer:
(e) Any two from:
no need to warm up
whiter tint/more vivid colours/brighter image
higher resolution
much thinner monitors possible/lighter weight
more reliable technology/longer lasting
uses much less power/more efficient
Qno.3 Circle true or false
1. T

Random Access Memory is readable, writable memory.

2. T F Input and output devices are usually dubbed peripherals.

3. T F The ALU is a collection of devices and circuits that perform the basic data
processing operations defined for the computer.
4. T F Software includes the programs or instructions that direct the processing of the
computer system.

5. T F RAM and ROM are part of the main memory or storage of the processor, but
RAM differs from ROM because its contents are randomly accessible while ROMs are
not.

6. T
F
write.

The instruction-execution cycle is composed of three stages: fetch, read, and

Qno.4 Matching

Terms

Explanation

1. CPU

a. stands for arithmetic logic unit.

2. RAM

b. composed of the control unit and ALU, this

device manages the execution of programs.

3. ROM

c. cycles per second.

4. ALU

d. non erasable main memory.

5. MHz

e. usually synonymous with readable,

writable main memory.

6. I/O

f. manufacturing methods employed for

integrating a processing unit on a single
mircrochip

Qno.5 Multiple Choice

1. Manages the sequencing of events for the instruction execution cycle.
control unit

ALU

MAR

MBR

2. Data stored here is not erasable and usually contains instructions for booting the system and
other important information.
ALU

DRAM

cache

ROM

3. Keeps track of the address of the next executable instruction in the execution of a machine
program.
CPU

MBR

PC

4. The Von Neumann architecture features

a. the stored program design.
b. a single, serial uniprocessor.
c. internal binary encoding of data and instructions.
d. all of the above.

IR

5. Random Access memory means that

a. individual items can be accessed in the same amount of time without regard to their
location.
b. efficient, economical storage.
c. these units must have a continuous source of power to retain data.
d. all of the above.
6.. The fetch cycle refers to
a. locating the next executable instruction stored in main memory.
b. updating the address stored in the PC.
c. transferring the instruction from memory to the instruction register.
d. all of the above.
7. The decode cycle refers to
a. deciphering the type of instruction intended.
b. updating the address stored in the PC.
c. transferring the instruction from memory to the instruction register.
d. all of the above.
8. The execute cycle refers to
a. deciphering the type of instruction intended.
b. sending the appropriate signals required for devices to carry out the operation.
c. updating the address stored in the PC.
d.

all of the above.