set-6

251. What is the purpose of an instruction register (IR) in a computer system?

  1. To hold the address of the next instruction to be executed.

  2. To hold the current instruction being executed.

  3. To hold the data being processed by the ALU.

  4. To hold the results of ALU operations.

Show me the answer

Answer: 2. To hold the current instruction being executed.

Explanation:

  • The instruction register holds the instruction that is currently being executed by the CPU, allowing the control unit to decode and execute it.

252. What is a control unit in a computer system responsible for?

  1. Performing arithmetic and logical operations.

  2. Storing and retrieving data.

  3. Coordinating the activities of other computer components.

  4. Processing data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. Coordinating the activities of other computer components.

Explanation:

  • The control unit manages the operation of the CPU, directing the flow of data and instructions between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.

253. What type of computer organization uses a Harvard architecture?

  1. Von Neumann.

  2. Harvard.

  3. Princeton.

  4. RISC.

Show me the answer

Answer: 2. Harvard.

Explanation:

  • Harvard architecture uses separate memory spaces for instructions and data, allowing simultaneous access to both, which improves performance.

254. What is the purpose of a cache in a computer system?

  1. To store frequently used data for quick access.

  2. To store data that is no longer needed.

  3. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  4. To store the instructions being executed.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To store frequently used data for quick access.

Explanation:

  • Cache memory stores frequently accessed data and instructions, reducing the time needed to access them and improving system performance.

255. What is an embedded system?

  1. A computer system designed for use in automobiles.

  2. A computer system designed for use in space missions.

  3. A computer system integrated into a device to perform specific tasks.

  4. A computer system designed for use in scientific experiments.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. A computer system integrated into a device to perform specific tasks.

Explanation:

  • Embedded systems are specialized computer systems designed to perform specific functions within larger systems, such as appliances, vehicles, or industrial machines.

256. What is the purpose of a microcontroller in an embedded system?

  1. To control the flow of data in the system.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations.

  3. To coordinate the activities of other embedded system components.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. To coordinate the activities of other embedded system components.

Explanation:

  • Microcontrollers are used in embedded systems to manage and control the operation of other components, ensuring the system functions as intended.

257. What is the difference between an embedded system and a general-purpose computer?

  1. An embedded system is designed for a specific task, while a general-purpose computer is not.

  2. A general-purpose computer has a larger memory than an embedded system.

  3. An embedded system has a faster processing speed than a general-purpose computer.

  4. A general-purpose computer has more input/output devices than an embedded system.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. An embedded system is designed for a specific task, while a general-purpose computer is not.

Explanation:

  • Embedded systems are designed for specific tasks, while general-purpose computers are versatile and can perform a wide range of tasks.

258. What is the purpose of an interrupt in a computer system?

  1. To stop the current instruction from being executed.

  2. To start the execution of a new instruction.

  3. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  4. To store the instructions being executed.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To stop the current instruction from being executed.

Explanation:

  • Interrupts are signals that temporarily halt the execution of the current instruction to handle a higher-priority task or event.

259. What is the difference between a hard real-time system and a soft real-time system?

  1. A hard real-time system has more stringent timing requirements than a soft real-time system.

  2. A soft real-time system has more stringent timing requirements than a hard real-time system.

  3. A hard real-time system is used in embedded systems, while a soft real-time system is not.

  4. A soft real-time system is used in embedded systems, while a hard real-time system is not.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. A hard real-time system has more stringent timing requirements than a soft real-time system.

Explanation:

  • Hard real-time systems must meet strict deadlines, while soft real-time systems can tolerate some delays without catastrophic consequences.

260. What is the purpose of a timer in an embedded system?

  1. To measure the amount of time that has elapsed.

  2. To coordinate the activities of other embedded system components.

  3. To perform arithmetic and logical operations.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To measure the amount of time that has elapsed.

Explanation:

  • Timers in embedded systems are used to measure time intervals, trigger events, or control the timing of operations.

261. What is the difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller?

  1. A microprocessor is used in general-purpose computers, while a microcontroller is used in embedded systems.

  2. A microcontroller is used in general-purpose computers, while a microprocessor is used in embedded systems.

  3. A microprocessor has more processing power than a microcontroller.

  4. A microcontroller has more processing power than a microprocessor.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. A microprocessor is used in general-purpose computers, while a microcontroller is used in embedded systems.

Explanation:

  • Microprocessors are used in general-purpose computers, while microcontrollers are designed for embedded systems, integrating CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single chip.

262. What is the purpose of a watchdog timer in an embedded system?

  1. To monitor the performance of the system and reset it if necessary.

  2. To measure the amount of time that has elapsed.

  3. To coordinate the activities of other embedded system components.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To monitor the performance of the system and reset it if necessary.

Explanation:

  • A watchdog timer monitors the system for malfunctions and resets the system if it detects that the system is not functioning correctly.

263. What is the purpose of an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) in an embedded system?

  1. To convert analog signals into digital signals for processing by the system.

  2. To convert digital signals into analog signals for output by the system.

  3. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  4. To store the instructions being executed.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To convert analog signals into digital signals for processing by the system.

Explanation:

  • ADCs convert analog signals from sensors or other sources into digital signals that can be processed by the embedded system.

264. What is the purpose of a DMA (direct memory access) controller in a computer system?

  1. To allow direct transfer of data between memory and I/O devices.

  2. To monitor the performance of the system and reset it if necessary.

  3. To convert analog signals into digital signals for processing by the system.

  4. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To allow direct transfer of data between memory and I/O devices.

Explanation:

  • DMA controllers allow data to be transferred directly between memory and I/O devices without involving the CPU, improving system performance.

265. What is the purpose of a bus in a computer system?

  1. To provide a communication path between the different components of the system.

  2. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  3. To store the instructions being executed.

  4. To monitor the performance of the system and reset it if necessary.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To provide a communication path between the different components of the system.

Explanation:

  • A bus is a communication system that transfers data between components within a computer, such as the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.

266. What is the difference between a serial bus and a parallel bus?

  1. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time, while a parallel bus transfers multiple bits at once.

  2. A parallel bus transfers data one bit at a time, while a serial bus transfers multiple bits at once.

  3. A serial bus is faster than a parallel bus.

  4. A parallel bus is faster than a serial bus.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time, while a parallel bus transfers multiple bits at once.

Explanation:

  • Serial buses transfer data one bit at a time, while parallel buses transfer multiple bits simultaneously, typically resulting in higher data transfer rates.

267. What is the purpose of a multiplexer (MUX) in a computer system?

  1. To select one of multiple input signals for output.

  2. To monitor the performance of the system and reset it if necessary.

  3. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  4. To store the instructions being executed.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To select one of multiple input signals for output.

Explanation:

  • A multiplexer selects one of several input signals and forwards it to a single output line, based on a control signal.

268. What is the purpose of a demultiplexer (DEMUX) in a computer system?

  1. To distribute a single input signal to multiple outputs.

  2. To monitor the performance of the system and reset it if necessary.

  3. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  4. To store the instructions being executed.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To distribute a single input signal to multiple outputs.

Explanation:

  • A demultiplexer takes a single input signal and routes it to one of several output lines, based on a control signal.

269. What is the purpose of a decoder in a computer system?

  1. To translate binary code into a form that can be executed by the system.

  2. To monitor the performance of the system and reset it if necessary.

  3. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  4. To store the instructions being executed.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To translate binary code into a form that can be executed by the system.

Explanation:

  • A decoder converts binary code into a specific output, such as activating a particular line or device based on the input code.

270. What is the purpose of a ROM (read-only memory) in a computer system?

  1. To store data that cannot be changed.

  2. To store data that can be changed.

  3. To store the results of arithmetic operations.

  4. To store the instructions being executed.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To store data that cannot be changed.

Explanation:

  • ROM is used to store firmware or software that is permanently written during manufacturing and cannot be modified by the user.

271. What is the function of an Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)?

  1. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  2. To store data.

  3. To process data into useful information.

  4. To coordinate the activities of other computer components.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

Explanation:

  • The ALU performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, etc.) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT) on data.

272. What is an instruction format in a computer system?

  1. The format in which instructions are stored in memory.

  2. The format in which data is stored in memory.

  3. The format in which results of arithmetic operations are stored in memory.

  4. The format in which addresses are stored in memory.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. The format in which instructions are stored in memory.

Explanation:

  • The instruction format defines how instructions are encoded and stored in memory, including the opcode and operands.

273. What is an addressing mode in a computer system?

  1. The way in which memory addresses are generated to access data.

  2. The way in which data is stored in memory.

  3. The way in which results of arithmetic operations are stored in memory.

  4. The way in which instructions are stored in memory.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. The way in which memory addresses are generated to access data.

Explanation:

  • Addressing modes define how the CPU calculates the memory address of the operand for an instruction.

274. What is the purpose of a data transfer instruction in a computer system?

  1. To transfer data from one location to another.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To process data into useful information.

  4. To coordinate the activities of other computer components.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To transfer data from one location to another.

Explanation:

  • Data transfer instructions move data between registers, memory, and I/O devices.

275. What is the purpose of a data manipulation instruction in a computer system?

  1. To manipulate data in memory.

  2. To transfer data from one location to another.

  3. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

Explanation:

  • Data manipulation instructions perform operations like addition, subtraction, AND, OR, etc., on data.

276. What is the difference between a load instruction and a store instruction in a computer system?

  1. A load instruction transfers data from memory to a register, while a store instruction transfers data from a register to memory.

  2. A store instruction transfers data from memory to a register, while a load instruction transfers data from a register to memory.

  3. A load instruction performs arithmetic operations on data, while a store instruction does not.

  4. A store instruction performs arithmetic operations on data, while a load instruction does not.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. A load instruction transfers data from memory to a register, while a store instruction transfers data from a register to memory.

Explanation:

  • Load instructions move data from memory to a CPU register, while store instructions move data from a register to memory.

277. What is an immediate addressing mode?

  1. The mode in which an immediate value is used as an operand.

  2. The mode in which a memory address is used as an operand.

  3. The mode in which a register is used as an operand.

  4. The mode in which a constant value is used as an operand.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. The mode in which an immediate value is used as an operand.

Explanation:

  • In immediate addressing mode, the operand is a constant value specified directly in the instruction.

278. What is a register indirect addressing mode?

  1. The mode in which an immediate value is used as an operand.

  2. The mode in which a memory address is used as an operand.

  3. The mode in which a register is used to hold the memory address of the operand.

  4. The mode in which a constant value is used as an operand.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. The mode in which a register is used to hold the memory address of the operand.

Explanation:

  • In register indirect addressing mode, the operand's address is stored in a register, and the CPU accesses the operand using that address.

279. What is a base relative addressing mode?

  1. The mode in which a register is used as a base address and an offset is added to access the operand.

  2. The mode in which a memory address is used as a base address and an immediate value is added to access the operand.

  3. The mode in which a register is used as a base address and another register is used as an offset to access the operand.

  4. The mode in which an immediate value is used as a base address and another register is used as an offset to access the operand.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. The mode in which a register is used as a base address and an offset is added to access the operand.

Explanation:

  • In base relative addressing mode, a base address is stored in a register, and an offset is added to calculate the operand's address.

280. What is an indexed addressing mode?

  1. The mode in which a register is used as an index to access the operand in memory.

  2. The mode in which a memory address is used as an index to access the operand in memory.

  3. The mode in which an immediate value is used as an index to access the operand in memory.

  4. The mode in which a constant value is used as an index to access the operand in memory.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. The mode in which a register is used as an index to access the operand in memory.

Explanation:

  • In indexed addressing mode, a register holds an index value that is added to a base address to calculate the operand's address.

281. What is a stack addressing mode?

  1. The mode in which data is stored and retrieved from a stack in memory.

  2. The mode in which data is stored and retrieved from a queue in memory.

  3. The mode in which data is stored and retrieved from a linked list in memory.

  4. The mode in which data is stored and retrieved from a tree in memory.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. The mode in which data is stored and retrieved from a stack in memory.

Explanation:

  • Stack addressing mode uses a stack data structure to store and retrieve data, following the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle.

282. What is the purpose of a rotate instruction in a computer system?

  1. To rotate the bits of a data value to the left or right.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To rotate the bits of a data value to the left or right.

Explanation:

  • Rotate instructions shift the bits of a data value, with the bit that is shifted out being moved to the opposite end of the data value.

283. What is the purpose of a shift instruction in a computer system?

  1. To shift the bits of a data value to the left or right.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To shift the bits of a data value to the left or right.

Explanation:

  • Shift instructions move the bits of a data value to the left or right, with the bit that is shifted out being discarded or used as a carry.

284. What is the purpose of a compare instruction in a computer system?

  1. To compare two values and set flags accordingly.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To compare two values and set flags accordingly.

Explanation:

  • Compare instructions compare two values and set flags (e.g., zero, carry) based on the result, which can be used for conditional branching.

285. What is the purpose of a branch instruction in a computer system?

  1. To change the flow of execution to a different instruction.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To change the flow of execution to a different instruction.

Explanation:

  • Branch instructions alter the normal flow of execution by jumping to a different instruction, often based on a condition.

286. What is the purpose of a jump instruction in a computer system?

  1. To change the flow of execution to a different instruction.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To change the flow of execution to a different instruction.

Explanation:

  • Jump instructions unconditionally transfer control to a different instruction, altering the normal flow of execution.

287. What is the purpose of a call instruction in a computer system?

  1. To call a subroutine and save the return address.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To call a subroutine and save the return address.

Explanation:

  • Call instructions transfer control to a subroutine and save the return address, allowing the program to resume execution after the subroutine completes.

288. What is the purpose of a return instruction in a computer system?

  1. To return from a subroutine to the instruction after the call.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To return from a subroutine to the instruction after the call.

Explanation:

  • Return instructions transfer control back to the instruction following the call instruction, allowing the program to continue execution.

289. What is the purpose of a load effective address (LEA) instruction in a computer system?

  1. To compute the effective address of an operand and store it in a register.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To compute the effective address of an operand and store it in a register.

Explanation:

  • LEA instructions calculate the address of an operand and store it in a register, without accessing the memory location.

290. What is the purpose of a clear instruction in a computer system?

  1. To clear the contents of a register or memory location.

  2. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data.

  3. To transfer data from one location to another.

  4. To process data into useful information.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. To clear the contents of a register or memory location.

Explanation:

  • Clear instructions set the contents of a register or memory location to zero or a default value.

291. What is the purpose of a memory hierarchy?

  1. To ensure that data is stored in a single location for easy retrieval.

  2. To provide a range of storage options to balance speed and cost.

  3. To limit the amount of data that can be stored at any one time.

  4. To prevent unauthorized access to data.

Show me the answer

Answer: 2. To provide a range of storage options to balance speed and cost.

Explanation:

  • Memory hierarchy organizes storage devices by speed and cost, with faster but more expensive memory (e.g., cache) closer to the CPU and slower but cheaper memory (e.g., disk) further away.

292. Which of the following is an example of internal memory?

  1. Hard disk.

  2. CD-ROM.

  3. RAM.

  4. USB flash drive.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. RAM.

Explanation:

  • Internal memory, such as RAM, is directly accessible by the CPU and is used for temporary storage of data and instructions.

293. Which of the following is an example of external memory?

  1. Cache memory.

  2. Magnetic tape.

  3. Registers.

  4. Virtual memory.

Show me the answer

Answer: 2. Magnetic tape.

Explanation:

  • External memory, such as magnetic tape, is used for long-term storage and is not directly accessible by the CPU.

294. What is the purpose of cache memory?

  1. To provide additional storage for the operating system.

  2. To store frequently accessed data for faster access.

  3. To protect data from unauthorized access.

  4. To provide backup storage in case of a system failure.

Show me the answer

Answer: 2. To store frequently accessed data for faster access.

Explanation:

  • Cache memory stores frequently accessed data and instructions, reducing the time needed to access them and improving system performance.

295. Which of the following is true about cache memory?

  1. It is larger in size than RAM.

  2. It is slower than main memory.

  3. It is located closer to the CPU than main memory.

  4. It has a longer access time than main memory.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. It is located closer to the CPU than main memory.

Explanation:

  • Cache memory is smaller but faster than main memory and is located closer to the CPU to reduce access time.

296. Which type of cache memory is integrated into the CPU?

  1. Level 1 (L1) cache.

  2. Level 2 (L2) cache.

  3. Level 3 (L3) cache.

  4. Virtual cache.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. Level 1 (L1) cache.

Explanation:

  • L1 cache is the fastest and smallest cache, integrated directly into the CPU.

297. Which type of cache memory is the largest in size?

  1. Level 1 (L1) cache.

  2. Level 2 (L2) cache.

  3. Level 3 (L3) cache.

  4. Virtual cache.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. Level 3 (L3) cache.

Explanation:

  • L3 cache is the largest and slowest cache, shared among multiple CPU cores.

298. Which type of memory is used to provide a bridge between main memory and secondary storage devices?

  1. Virtual memory.

  2. Cache memory.

  3. Flash memory.

  4. Magnetic memory.

Show me the answer

Answer: 1. Virtual memory.

Explanation:

  • Virtual memory uses disk space as an extension of RAM, allowing the system to run more applications than the physical memory would normally allow.

299. Which of the following is an advantage of using virtual memory?

  1. It reduces the amount of main memory required.

  2. It improves the access time of data.

  3. It allows multiple programs to run simultaneously.

  4. It provides faster data transfer rates.

Show me the answer

Answer: 3. It allows multiple programs to run simultaneously.

Explanation:

  • Virtual memory allows the system to run more programs than the physical memory would normally allow by using disk space as an extension of RAM.

300. In a multi-processor configuration, two processor are connected to the host 8086 processor. The two-co-processor instruction set:

  1. Must be the same

  2. Must be disjoint

  3. May overlap

  4. Must be the same as that of the host

Show me the answer

Answer: 4. Must be the same as that of the host

Explanation:

  • The co-processor instruction set must match the host processor's instruction set.

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