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

Solution (By Examveda Team)

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.