Cisy 201:Computer Architecture Question Paper
Cisy 201:Computer Architecture
Course:Bachelor Of Science In Computer Science
Institution: Kenya Methodist University question papers
Exam Year:2012
COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE (CISY 201) (BBIT 112) 2ND TRIMESTER 2012
KENYA METHODIST UNIVERSITY
END OF 2ND TRIMESTER 2012 (EVENING) EXAMINATIONS
FACULTY : COMPUTING & INFORMATICS
DEPARTMENT : COMPUTER SCIENCE & BUSINESS INFORMATION
UNIT CODE : CISY 201/BBIT 112
UNIT TITLE : COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
TIME : 2 HOURS
Instructions: Answer Question ONE and any other TWO.
Question One (C0MPULSORY)
Describe the high speed bus interconnection structure and its operation.
Describe how the bus interconnection structure compares with traditional structure?
(4 Marks)
Describe the von Neumann programmable model.
(4 Marks)
Briefly explain the general CPU instruction cycle and explain how interrupts is handled by the instruction cycle.
(4 Marks)
With an aid of a diagram, describe the general structure, of an Ilo module and explain its functions.
(4 Marks)
In the context of cached memory system, explain the performance factors cache hit and cache miss. Explain the principle of locality and its relevant to cached memory performance.
(4 Marks)
Explain the following memory performance enhancement techniques and organization.
Hierchical organization.
(3 Marks)
Burst Access Mode
(2 Marks)
Momory interleaving
(2 Marks)
Question Two: (20 Marks)
The information stored in n level memory hierchy, m1 to mn, should satisfy the three important properties of inclusion, coherence and locality. Explain the three properties.
(6 Marks)
Describe the internal organization of cache and main memory. Explain how a block copied from main memory is placed on cache.
(6 Marks)
The most universally acceptable method of describing or classifying computer processors is Flynn taxonomy developed in 1966. Discuss FOUR categories based on classification and give examples of processing models under each.
(8 Marks)
Question Three
Explain the internal and external factor that affect performance of hard disk.
(8 Marks)
Explain the role of the hard disk storage system in computer system performance and reliability. Describe how the RAID technology may be used for enhancement of reliability, performance or both.
(5 Marks)
Name the two most popular disk interface standard used on PCs and server systems. Briefly outline the advantages of each of the two standards.
(4 Marks)
Question Four
The design of an instruction set is very complex, since it affect so many aspects of the computer system. The programmers requirement must be considered in designing the instruction set. Explain FOUR instruction set design issues.
(8 Marks)
Differentiate between;
SRAM and DRAM
(2 Marks)
SDRAN and DDR SDRAM
(2 Marks)
EPROM and EEPROM
(2 Marks)
Briefly explain instruction pipelining and superscalar as a performance enhancement technique.
(6 Marks)
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