Computer Architecture MCQ Questions & Answers | Computer Science Page-2 section-1

11.
Which addressing mode allows direct access to memory locations without calculating the address?

A. Indexed Addressing

B. Indirect Addressing

C. Immediate Addressing

D. Direct Addressing

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12.
What is the purpose of a cache memory in a computer system?

A. Run background processes

B. Maintain file system integrity

C. Execute machine instructions

D. Store frequently accessed data for quick retrieval

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Answer & Solution

Answer: Option D

Solution:

Option D: Store frequently accessed data for quick retrieval
Cache memory is designed to store copies of frequently accessed data from main memory (RAM) or instructions from the CPU. Its purpose is to provide faster access to data and instructions that are likely to be needed soon, reducing the average time to access data from the main memory.

In this context:
   - Cache memory operates on the principle of locality, exploiting the fact that most programs access a relatively small portion of memory at any given time.
   - It helps improve the overall performance of the computer system by reducing the latency involved in accessing data from slower main memory.
   - Cache memory is typically faster and smaller in size compared to main memory, allowing it to deliver faster data access times.

Option A: Run background processes
Background processes typically refer to tasks or programs that run independently of the user's direct control. Cache memory is not responsible for running background processes.

Option B: Maintain file system integrity
File system integrity is primarily managed by the operating system and file system software, ensuring data consistency and reliability. Cache memory does not directly contribute to file system integrity.

Option C: Execute machine instructions
Execution of machine instructions is handled by the CPU and its components, including the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and control unit. Cache memory does not execute machine instructions; it stores data and instructions for quicker access.

Conclusion:
Among the given options, Option D: Store frequently accessed data for quick retrieval accurately describes the purpose of cache memory in a computer system.

13.
Which type of memory is used to store the BIOS in a computer system?

A. ROM

B. RAM

C. Cache Memory

D. Virtual Memory

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14.
What does RISC stand for in the context of CPU design?

A. Rapid Integrated System

B. Real-time Instruction Set

C. Random Integrated System

D. Reduced Instruction Set Computer

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Answer & Solution

Answer: Option D

Solution:

Option D: Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)
RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer in the context of CPU design. It is a type of microprocessor design that emphasizes a small and highly optimized set of instructions that can be executed within a single clock cycle.

RISC processors focus on simplicity and efficiency by reducing the complexity of instructions compared to Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) architectures.

   - The philosophy behind RISC is to perform operations with a small set of simple instructions that can execute quickly, allowing for faster processing speeds and improved performance.
   - RISC architectures often employ pipelining and other techniques to maximize throughput and efficiency.
   - Examples of RISC architectures include ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) and MIPS (Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages).

Option A: Rapid Integrated System
This is not a correct expansion for RISC. RISC specifically refers to the design philosophy of reducing the complexity of instructions, not to any rapid integration system.

Option B: Real-time Instruction Set
This is not correct. RISC does not relate specifically to real-time computing but rather to the design of CPU architectures.

Option C: Random Integrated System
This is not correct. RISC does not involve randomness but rather a deliberate reduction in the complexity of instruction sets.

Conclusion:
Among the given options, Option D: Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) is the correct answer because it accurately describes the design philosophy where CPU architectures emphasize simplicity and efficiency through a reduced and optimized set of instructions.

15.
What is the purpose of the Memory Management Unit (MMU) in a computer system?

A. Executes system utilities

B. Monitors CPU temperature

C. Maps logical addresses to physical addresses

D. Allocates RAM efficiently

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Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

Option C: Maps logical addresses to physical addresses
The Memory Management Unit (MMU) in a computer system is responsible for translating or mapping logical addresses generated by the CPU into physical addresses in RAM (Random Access Memory). This process allows programs to effectively access and utilize memory resources.

Function of MMU:
   - Address Translation: The primary function of the MMU is to translate logical addresses, which are generated by the CPU, into physical addresses that correspond to actual locations in the computer's memory hardware.
   - Memory Protection: MMUs often include features for memory protection, ensuring that processes do not interfere with each other's memory space, which enhances system stability and security.
   - Virtual Memory: MMUs support virtual memory systems by facilitating the mapping of virtual addresses used by applications to physical addresses in RAM or secondary storage, allowing for efficient memory usage and multitasking.
   - Cache Control: Some MMUs manage memory caches, helping to optimize data access speeds by storing frequently accessed data closer to the CPU.

Option A: Executes system utilities
This is not correct. MMUs do not execute system utilities; their primary role is memory management and address translation.

Option B: Monitors CPU temperature
This is not correct. Monitoring CPU temperature is typically the role of hardware sensors and thermal management systems, not the MMU.

Option D: Allocates RAM efficiently
While MMUs play a role in managing memory allocation through address translation and memory protection, their main function is not specifically to allocate RAM efficiently. Memory allocation tasks are usually handled by the operating system's memory manager.

Conclusion:
Among the given options, Option C: Maps logical addresses to physical addresses is the correct answer because it accurately describes the primary role of the Memory Management Unit (MMU) in a computer system.

16.
Which type of memory is volatile and loses its contents when the power is turned off?

A. Cache Memory

B. RAM

C. Hard Disk

D. None of the above

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17.
What is the purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

A. Control I/O operations

B. Manage memory operations

C. Perform arithmetic and logical operations

D. Store data temporarily

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18.
What does the term "bit width" refer to in computer architecture?

A. Size of the hard disk

B. Length of the RAM module

C. Number of processors

D. Number of bits processed at once by the CPU

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19.
Which bus carries memory addresses that the CPU generates during the execution of a program?

A. Address Bus

B. System Bus

C. Data Bus

D. Control Bus

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20.
What does the term "clock speed" indicate in the context of CPU performance?

A. Rate of data transfer

B. Size of cache memory

C. Number of cores

D. Speed at which instructions are executed

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Computer Architecture MCQ Questions & Answers | Computer Science

11. Which addressing mode allows direct access to memory locations without calculating the address?

Answer & Solution

12. What is the purpose of a cache memory in a computer system?

Answer & Solution

13. Which type of memory is used to store the BIOS in a computer system?

Answer & Solution

14. What does RISC stand for in the context of CPU design?

Answer & Solution

15. What is the purpose of the Memory Management Unit (MMU) in a computer system?

Answer & Solution

16. Which type of memory is volatile and loses its contents when the power is turned off?

Answer & Solution

17. What is the purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

Answer & Solution

18. What does the term "bit width" refer to in computer architecture?

Answer & Solution

19. Which bus carries memory addresses that the CPU generates during the execution of a program?

Answer & Solution

20. What does the term "clock speed" indicate in the context of CPU performance?

Answer & Solution

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11.
Which addressing mode allows direct access to memory locations without calculating the address?

12.
What is the purpose of a cache memory in a computer system?

13.
Which type of memory is used to store the BIOS in a computer system?

14.
What does RISC stand for in the context of CPU design?

15.
What is the purpose of the Memory Management Unit (MMU) in a computer system?

16.
Which type of memory is volatile and loses its contents when the power is turned off?

17.
What is the purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

18.
What does the term "bit width" refer to in computer architecture?

19.
Which bus carries memory addresses that the CPU generates during the execution of a program?

20.
What does the term "clock speed" indicate in the context of CPU performance?