Lecture 9

Question 1

What is the Von Neumann Architecture (VNA)?

Answer 1

A design model for modern computers using a single storage structure for data and instructions.

Question 2

Name the types of Data Flow Architecture.

Answer 2

Batch Sequential: Task divided into batches with subtasks, reporting sequentially.
Pipe and Filter: Components (filters) connected by pipes transmitting data.
Process Control Structure: Data processed based on supplied variables, with system divided into modules.

Question 2

Describe Data Flow Architecture.

Answer 2

Transforms input data into output through manipulative components.
Lacks a program counter; uses components like filters and pipes for data transmission.

Question 3

What are the key features of CISC processors?

Answer 3

Complex instructions, multiple clock cycles per instruction.
Hardware-focused, many addressing modes.
Examples: Intel x86, AMD processors.

Question 4

What is Parallel Architecture?

Answer 4

Uses multiple processors for improved performance.
Incorporates communication architecture for synchronization and communication.
Aims for accuracy, reduced costs, and higher performance.

Question 5

What are the key features of RISC processors?

Answer 5

Simple instructions, one clock cycle per instruction.
Efficient pipelining,
high register count.
Fixed instruction length and simple addressing mode.
Examples: ARM processors, PowerPC, RISC-V.

Question 6

What is pipelining in computer architecture?

Answer 6

Technique for executing multiple instructions simultaneously by dividing tasks into pipeline stages.
Each stage has an input register and a combinational circuit for processing.

Question 7

Compare RISC and CISC processors based on instruction length format.

Answer 7

RISC: Fixed instruction length.
CISC: Variable instruction length.

Question 8

Compare the power consumption of RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 8

RISC: Less power consumption.
CISC: High power consumption.

Question 9

Why is VNA important in modern computer architecture?

Answer 9

VNA is the basis for modern architectures using the stored-program concept, allowing storage of both data and instructions.

Question 10

What are the limitations of VNA that modern architectures aim to overcome?

Answer 10

Limitations in sequential processing and storage separation, necessitating new architectures for the fifth generation of computers.

Question 11

What are the key components of Data Flow Architecture?

Answer 11

Filters and pipes for data transmission, where filters are independent transformation units.

Question 12

How does Parallel Architecture improve on traditional architectures?

Answer 12

By incorporating communication architecture for synchronization and communication.

Question 13

What are the benefits of Parallel Processing in modern computers?

Answer 13

Increased accuracy, reduced costs, and higher performance.

Question 14

Compare the execution time of RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 14

RISC: Short execution time.
CISC: Longer execution time.

Question 15

Compare the performance optimization patterns of RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 15

RISC: Optimized through software.
CISC: Optimized through hardware.

Question 16

Compare the handling of pipelining in RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 16

RISC: Highly pipelined.
CISC: Less pipelined.

Question 17

Compare the RAM space requirement for RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 17

RISC: Requires more RAM space.
CISC: Requires less RAM space.

Question 18

Compare the clock cycle usage of RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 18

RISC: Single clock cycle per instruction.
CISC: Multiple clock cycles per instruction.

Question 19

Compare the number of instructions in RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 19

RISC: Fewer instructions.
CISC: Larger number of instructions.

Question 20

Compare the CPU design techniques of RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 20

RISC: Hardwired.
CISC: Microprogramming.

Question 21

Compare the addressing modes of RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 21

RISC: Fewer addressing modes.
CISC: More addressing modes.

Question 22

Compare the register requirements of RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 22

RISC: Requires more registers.
CISC: Requires fewer registers.

Question 23

Compare the transistor usage in RISC and CISC processors.

Answer 23

RISC: More transistors on memory registers.
CISC: Transistors to store complex instructions.

Question 24

What is pipelining in computer architecture?

Answer 24

Technique for executing multiple instructions simultaneously by dividing tasks into pipeline stages.

Question 25

How does pipelining improve instruction execution?

Answer 25

By organizing the storage and execution of instructions, allowing several instructions to be processed at the same time.

Question 26

Describe the structure of a pipeline in pipelining.

Answer 26

A pipeline consists of stages, each with an input register and a combinational circuit for processing.