Computer Architecture

Question 1

What is computer architecture?

Answer 1

The design and organization of a computer system, including hardware components and ways to perform tasks

Question 2

Single instruction single data (SISD) has what number of controllers and processors?

Answer 2

One controller, one processor

Question 3

Single instruction multiple data (SIMD) has what number of controllers and processors?

Answer 3

One controller, many processors and data streams

Question 4

What are the differences between Von Neumann and Harvard architecture?

Answer 4

Von Neumann: program and data are stored together in one memory

Harvard: program and data are stored in different memory for greater memory bandwidth

Question 5

Von Neumann computers perform instruction in a single, linear sequence. How can this be more efficient?

Answer 5

Perform operations in parallel

Question 6

What is the advantage of RISC over CICS?

Answer 6

Simpler which always for faster execution, lower power consumption, and better performance.

This makes it better for embedded computing

Question 7

Name 2 types of RISC ISAs:

Answer 7

MIPS and ARM

Question 8

What are Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) ISAs used for?

Answer 8

Performing instructions in parallel

Question 9

What is an advantage of VLIW compared to superscalar?

Answer 9

Energy efficiency

Question 10

What is instruction set architecture (ISA)?

Answer 10

Defines the machine language for programming