Essential Computer Architecture Fundamentals Quiz Quiz

Assess your understanding of core computer architecture fundamentals, covering processor operations, memory hierarchy, instruction cycles, pipelining, and related key concepts. This quiz is designed for those preparing for technical interviews in computer architecture, offering comprehensive questions to reinforce your foundational knowledge.

1. Understanding the CPU

   Which component of a computer is primarily responsible for executing instructions and controlling other system parts?

   1. Central Processing Unit
   2. Hard Disk Drive
   3. Graphics Adapter
   4. Random Access Memory

   Explanation: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the core of the computer that carries out instructions and manages operations. The Hard Disk Drive is used for long-term storage and cannot execute instructions. The Graphics Adapter renders images but does not handle general processing; RAM temporarily stores data for quick access but does not execute commands.

2. Basic Memory Hierarchy

   Where does cache memory sit in the typical computer memory hierarchy?

   1. Between CPU and RAM
   2. After secondary storage
   3. Above bus interface
   4. Below main memory

   Explanation: Cache memory is positioned between the CPU and RAM to speed up data access by storing frequently used instructions. It's not found after secondary storage, and the bus interface is not a storage level. Cache serves to bridge the speed gap between the CPU and the slower main memory, making 'between CPU and RAM' the correct spot.

3. Types of RAM

   Which type of memory stores data only while power is applied and is lost when the system is turned off?

   1. Volatile memory
   2. Non-volatile memory
   3. Permanent memory
   4. Secondary storage

   Explanation: Volatile memory, such as standard RAM, loses its contents when power is lost. Non-volatile and permanent memory types retain data without power, while secondary storage refers to devices like hard drives, which also preserve data after shutdown.

4. Bus System Function

   What is the primary role of a system bus in computer architecture?

   1. Transmit data between CPU and peripherals
   2. Store graphical data
   3. Increase CPU clock speed
   4. Compress memory files

   Explanation: The system bus enables communication and data transfer between the CPU and other components like memory and I/O devices. It doesn't have the function of storing graphics, cannot directly increase the CPU speed, and is unrelated to file compression.

5. RISC vs. CISC

   Which of the following best describes Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architectures?

   1. Uses simple, uniform instructions
   2. Includes hundreds of complex instructions
   3. Optimized for deep learning tasks only
   4. Relies exclusively on hardware

   Explanation: RISC architectures use simple instructions that can typically execute in a single cycle, aiming for efficiency. CISC architectures are known for complex instruction sets, not RISC. RISC is a general-purpose design, not limited to deep learning or exclusive hardware reliance.

6. Von Neumann Bottleneck

   What is the main limitation caused by the Von Neumann architecture known as the 'bottleneck'?

   1. Shared bus for data and instructions slows performance
   2. Lack of input/output devices
   3. No support for parallel processing
   4. Excessive use of cache memory

   Explanation: The Von Neumann architecture uses a single bus for both data and instructions, potentially slowing things down—a phenomenon known as the bottleneck. It does have I/O support, can be expanded to support parallelism, and cache usage is not a defining characteristic of the term.

7. Instruction Cycle Phases

   Which two fundamental steps make up the fetch-decode-execute cycle of a CPU?

   1. Fetching and executing
   2. Printing and storing
   3. Mapping and encrypting
   4. Recording and repeating

   Explanation: The fetch-decode-execute cycle involves fetching an instruction and then executing it. Printing and storing are operations external to the CPU cycle, mapping and encrypting aren't standard CPU steps, and recording and repeating are unrelated terms.

8. Registers in CPU

   What is the main function of registers within a CPU?

   1. Temporarily hold data for immediate processing
   2. Store large files permanently
   3. Display graphical output
   4. Increase input device speed

   Explanation: Registers are small, fast storage locations inside the CPU used for temporary data storage and rapid access during processing. They aren't intended for long-term or large file storage, aren't responsible for graphics output, and don't affect input devices directly.

9. Branch Prediction

   Why do modern CPUs use branch prediction techniques?

   1. To minimize delays caused by conditional branches
   2. To cool the CPU
   3. To increase hard disk size
   4. To encrypt data streams

   Explanation: Branch prediction allows CPUs to guess the direction a branch will take to avoid pipeline stalls and improve performance. It has no impact on cooling, storage size, or encryption, which are unrelated to this specific CPU feature.

10. Data Path Width

    What does it mean when a processor is called a '32-bit' processor?

    1. It processes data 32 bits wide at a time
    2. It can only handle files up to 32 megabytes
    3. It has 32 hard drives
    4. It boots in 32 seconds

    Explanation: A '32-bit' processor can handle data and memory addresses that are up to 32 bits in width per operation. File size, hard drive count, and boot time are not defined by this term, making those options incorrect.

11. Pipelining Benefit

    What is the primary advantage of pipelining in CPU architecture?

    1. Increased instruction throughput
    2. Reduced storage space
    3. Higher data encryption
    4. Lower monitor refresh rate

    Explanation: Pipelining allows multiple instructions to overlap in execution, leading to increased throughput or the number of instructions completed per time unit. Storage, encryption, and monitor refresh rates are unrelated to CPU pipelining.

12. Cache Levels

    Which level of cache is typically smallest and closest to the CPU core?

    1. L1 cache
    2. L3 cache
    3. Main memory
    4. Flash storage

    Explanation: L1 cache is the smallest, fastest, and nearest cache to the CPU core, providing immediate data access. L3 cache is larger but slower and further away, main memory is not a cache, and flash storage is a type of secondary memory.

13. Interrupts

    In computer architecture, what is an interrupt?

    1. A signal that temporarily halts CPU’s current task
    2. A device for permanent storage
    3. A method to cool down hardware
    4. A type of memory controller

    Explanation: An interrupt is used to temporarily pause the CPU's current activity, allowing urgent tasks to be handled. It's not hardware storage, is unrelated to cooling, and is different from a memory controller, which manages the flow of data to memory.

14. Address Bus Function

    What is the function of the address bus in a computer system?

    1. Carries memory location information
    2. Transfers sound data
    3. Connects to the internet
    4. Generates CPU clock signals

    Explanation: The address bus is a set of wires that conveys memory addresses between components, allowing access to specific locations. Sound data is carried by audio interfaces, internet connections require network hardware, and clock signals are created by the clock generator.

15. Control Unit Role

    What is the main job of the control unit within a CPU?

    1. Direct the operation of other hardware modules
    2. Store data permanently
    3. Perform mathematical calculations
    4. Handle video output

    Explanation: The control unit manages and coordinates activities within the CPU by sending control signals. It doesn't store data long term, perform arithmetic (that's the ALU's job), or deal with video output.

16. Moore's Law

    What does Moore's Law originally predict regarding integrated circuits?

    1. The number of transistors doubles approximately every two years
    2. CPU speed doubles every week
    3. RAM is halved every year
    4. Monitor size increases constantly

    Explanation: Moore's Law states that the number of transistors on a semiconductor chip will double about every two years, leading to exponential growth in processing power. The other options exaggerate or wrongly interpret the original prediction.

17. Virtual Memory Purpose

    Why do computer systems use virtual memory?

    1. To extend apparent available RAM using storage
    2. To encrypt program files
    3. To speed up the monitor refresh rate
    4. To cool system components

    Explanation: Virtual memory allows a system to use backing storage to supplement RAM, giving the illusion of more memory for running programs. Encryption, display rates, and cooling are unrelated functions.

18. Input/Output Devices

    Which of these is usually considered an input device in computer architecture?

    1. Keyboard
    2. Printer
    3. Monitor
    4. Speaker

    Explanation: A keyboard allows users to enter data into a system, making it a classic input device. Printers and monitors provide output, and speakers output sound, not data input.

19. ALU Responsibilities

    What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

    1. Perform arithmetic and logical operations
    2. Store programs permanently
    3. Control tower cooling
    4. Display web pages

    Explanation: The ALU handles mathematical calculations and logical comparisons in the processor. Permanent program storage and cooling functions are not its roles, and displaying web pages is the result of higher-level operations.

20. Primary vs. Secondary Storage

    What differentiates primary storage from secondary storage in a computer?

    1. Primary storage like RAM is faster and more volatile than secondary storage
    2. Secondary storage resides inside the CPU
    3. Primary storage is always external
    4. Secondary storage rarely stores files

    Explanation: Primary storage, such as RAM, provides fast, temporary data access for the CPU, while secondary storage retains data long-term but is slower. Secondary storage is not inside the CPU, primary storage is typically internal, and secondary storage is commonly used to store files.

21. Multiprocessing Architecture

    Which term describes a system with multiple processors working together to perform tasks simultaneously?

    1. Multiprocessing
    2. Monotasking
    3. Overclocking
    4. Singlestream

    Explanation: Multiprocessing refers to using more than one processor to execute tasks collaboratively for faster or more reliable processing. Monotasking means focusing on one task only, overclocking speeds up a single CPU, and singlestream is not a recognized computer architecture term.