COMPUTER STRUCTURE

Question 1

Relationship between data, address bus and the maximum amount of amount of memory

Answer 1

1) width of data bus determines the number of bits hat can be stored in each address
2) width of address bus determines the number of locations available

3) max memory is
2address * databus = answer in bits

Question 2

2 types of rom

Answer 2

PROM - programmable ROM

EPROM - erasable programmable ROM

Question 3

RAM VS ROM

Answer 3

Can edit RAM can’t edit ROM

Lose data in RAM, don’t lose data is ROM

Question 4

Ways to improve system performance

Answer 4

1) Increase clock speed (processes more instructions per second)
2) increase width of data bus (more data processed per cycle)
3) increase size of cache (less slower F/E from RAM and more fast cache which is closer to CPU)
4) increase number of registers (less slower F/E from RAM as registers are in the cpu)

Question 5

What is cache

Answer 5

• Fast temporary storage between CPU and RAM

* Cache stores frequently used instructions

Question 6

How does cache improve system performance

Answer 6

Less slower F/E from RAM cycle. fast cache which is closer to the CPU

Question 7

Give a situation where cache would not improve system performance

Answer 7

When are instructions are not in cache and main memory must be accessed

Question 8

Differences between main memory and cache

Answer 8

• main memory is directly addressable by programmes, cache is not
• first level cache is typically on board processors, where as main memory is on completely separate chips

Question 9

Advantage and disadvantage of dynamic ram

Answer 9

ADV:
Cheaper, use less power

DISAD:
Slower and need to be continuously refreshed

Question 10

Give an advantage and disadvantage of static ram

Answer 10

ADV: faster access memory

DISAD:
more expensive and more complex