Brush up on essential computer architecture and organization concepts with these beginner-level MCQs. This quiz covers instruction cycles, memory hierarchy, processor operations, and basic architectural types to help you prepare effectively for exams.
Which of the following is NOT a part of the instruction cycle in a CPU?
Explanation: Compile is not a part of the instruction cycle; it is a process done before execution, converting source code to machine code. Fetch, decode, and execute are the main phases of the instruction cycle. Fetch obtains instructions from memory, decode interprets them, and execute carries them out. Compile occurs prior to these steps and does not repeat for each instruction executed.
What is fetched from memory at the first step of the instruction cycle?
Explanation: The entire instruction, which includes the op code and operands, is fetched from memory in the first step. Fetching only data or op code would be incomplete; both are essential parts of the instruction. Registers are storage areas inside the CPU, not something fetched from memory at this step.
The program counter holds the address of which of the following?
Explanation: The program counter (PC) stores the memory address of the next instruction to be executed. It does not hold the addresses of the current or last instruction, as those are either being processed or already completed. Stack top refers to the top value in the stack memory, unrelated to the program counter.
Which unit is responsible for decoding the fetched instruction in a CPU?
Explanation: The control unit decodes the instruction to determine the required operation and orchestrates the execution steps. The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) performs calculations, registers hold data temporarily, and cache is used for fast data storage, not decoding instructions.
Where is the result of execution usually stored temporarily in a CPU?
Explanation: Registers temporarily hold execution results for fast CPU access before sending data elsewhere if necessary. Main memory, while capable of storing data, is slower and not used for immediate post-execution storage. Stack is used mainly for managing function calls, and cache is for quick data access.
The instruction cycle in computer architecture is also known as the:
Explanation: The instruction cycle is commonly called the machine cycle, describing the complete process from fetching to executing an instruction. Clock cycle refers to one pulse of the system clock, unrelated to full instruction execution. Transfer and pulse cycles are not standard terms for this process.
What usually happens to the program counter after an instruction is executed?
Explanation: After executing an instruction, the program counter is incremented to point to the address of the next instruction. It is not generally set to zero or reset, except during specific program operations like a reset or jump. 'None of these' is incorrect as incrementing is the standard behavior.
An instruction in computer architecture is made up of which components?
Explanation: An instruction typically consists of an operation code (op code), which specifies the operation, and an operand, which provides the data or address to be used. Only op code or only operand would be incomplete. Data can be involved, but the standard term is operand, not data.
Which instruction transfers program control to a specific address during execution?
Explanation: A jump instruction alters the execution sequence by transferring program control to a designated address in memory. Move and add perform data transfer and arithmetic, while multiply is for calculations; none of these change the flow of control like a jump does.
Which unit controls the flow of the instruction cycle inside the CPU?
Explanation: The control unit is responsible for managing and directing each stage of the instruction cycle. While the ALU performs arithmetic and logic, RAM and cache are types of memory and do not control processes.
Which level of cache is typically the fastest in modern CPUs?
Explanation: L1 cache is closest to the CPU core and is the fastest among all cache types. L2 and L3 caches provide larger but slower storage. RAM is not a cache and is much slower in comparison to L1.
Which cache level is usually shared among all processor cores in a multi-core CPU?
Explanation: L3 cache is commonly shared among all the cores in multi-core CPUs to facilitate data access. L1 and L2 are typically private to each core, while 'All' is incorrect as only L3 is truly shared.
Which type of memory is the smallest in size but fastest to access?
Explanation: L1 cache has the smallest capacity but offers the fastest access speeds. L2 and L3 are larger, albeit slower. Main memory (RAM) is much larger and slower than any cache level.
What is the main role of cache memory in a computer system?
Explanation: Cache stores frequently accessed data to speed up CPU processing. It is not used for permanent or backup storage. While it can improve system performance, it does not actually increase the speed of RAM itself.
Where is cache memory typically located in a computer system?
Explanation: Cache is built directly into the CPU chip for rapid data access. It is not located in RAM, on the hard disk, or as a separate component on the motherboard, which would make access slower.