COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
Question 1
Define a computer
A computer system is a complex and interconnected set of hardware and software components
designed to perform a variety of tasks. It plays a crucial role in processing, storing, and
managing information.
**List and explain the components of a computer
i. Central Processing Unit (CPU): Often referred to as the brain of the computer, the CPU
executes instructions stored in the computer's memory. It performs arithmetic and logic
operations, making it the primary component responsible for the computer's processing power.
ii. Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory (RAM) is a volatile storage medium that temporarily
holds data and instructions for the CPU to access quickly. It allows for fast read and write
operations, providing the workspace for active programs and data.
iii. Storage Devices: These devices store data persistently, even when the computer is powered
off. Common types of storage devices include Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives
(SSDs), and various external storage solutions.
iv. Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and facilitates
communication between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other peripherals. It contains
the system's chipset, connectors, and expansion slots.
v. Input Devices: These devices chable users to interact with the computer by providing input.
Common input devices include keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and webcams.
vi. Output Devices: These devices present information to the user in a perceivable form.
Examples include monitors (for visual output), printers (for hard copy output), and speakers (for
audio output).
vii. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): While the CPU handles general-purpose computing tasks,
the GPU is specialized for rendering graphies and accelerating certain types of parallel
processing, making it vital for tasks such as gaming and graphic design.
viii.Peripheral Devices: These include additional hardware components that can be connected
to the computer, such as printers. scanners, external drives, and other accessories.
ix. Operating System (OS): The OS is software that manages hardware resources, provides a
user interface, and facilitates communication berween software applications and the
computer's hardware.
x. Software: Computer programs and applications that instruct the computer on how to perform
specific tasks. Software can be categorized into system software (c.g., OS) and application
software (e.g., word processors, web browsers).
**Draw Architectural view of CPU
Question 3
What do you understand by basic processor architecture
This talks about how all the basic components of the CPU are being arranged structurally
** Who can explain the vonn Newman's processor architecture
Von Neumann Architecture
A computer design where data and program instructions share the same memory and pathway
Question 5
Mention all the Five types of computer architecture and explain three
Complex instructions set computer (CISC)
Reduced instruction set Computer (RISC)
Parallel processing
Pipelined
Von Neumann
Parallel processing architecture talks about the simultaneous execution of various task within
the CPU
**So what do you understand by binary what do you understand by dexima audience stand by
octa what do you understand by hexadecimal
1. Binary talks about zeros and one
2. After is all about eight digit number from 0 to 7
3. Hexadecimal talks about 10 to 15 being represented as A to F
4. Why texting my talks about base 10
***Two complement representation
Two compliment representation allows to operations to be performed at the same time
simultaneously on the CPU circuitary for example addition and subtraction
** Explain floating point arithmetic
Floating-point arithmetic is a method of representing and performing arithmetic operatio real
numbers (both rational and irrational) in a way that allows for a wide range of value precision. It
is commonly used in computer systems, especially in scientific, engineering mathematical
is commonly used in computer systems, especially in scientific, engineering mathematical
computations where a large dynamic range and high precision are required are the key concepts
of floating-point arithmetie:
**Define control unit
The control unit just talks about let me see the country unit is the part of the computer CPU that
manages and control the functions or the operations of the hardware part of the computer
Past Question and Test Questions
Question 1
(a) Outline and explain five common components and their respective functions within a
computer system (5 Marks)
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Executes instructions and processes data.
2. Memory (RAM) – Temporarily stores data and instructions for quick access.
3. Input Devices – Allow users to input data (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
4. Output Devices – Display or output processed data (e.g., monitor, printer).
5. Storage Devices – Permanently store data and programs (e.g., hard drive, SSD).
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(b) Describe Basic Processor Architecture. (2 Marks)
(b) Describe Basic Processor Architecture. (2 Marks)
Basic processor architecture includes components such as the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU),
Control Unit (CU), and registers. It follows the Von Neumann architecture, where data and
instructions are stored in the same memory and processed sequentially.
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(c) Explain in detail the Fetch and Execute Cycle performed by the CPU of a computer (5 Marks)
1. Fetch – The CPU retrieves an instruction from memory.
2. Decode – The control unit interprets the instruction.
3. Execute – The ALU performs the required operation.
4. Store – The result is stored in a register or memory. This cycle repeats continuously while the
computer is on.
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Question 2
(a) According to basic processor architecture, what do you understand by Registers? (2 Marks)
Registers are small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU used to hold data,
instructions, or addresses temporarily during processing.
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(b) List any 5 common examples of registers (5 Marks)
1. Accumulator (ACC)
1. Accumulator (ACC)
2. Program Counter (PC)
3. Instruction Register (IR)
4. Memory Address Register (MAR)
5. Memory Data Register (MDR)
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(c) Perform the following arithmetic in 8-bit two's complement (5 Marks)
i. 3 – 5
3 = 00000011
5 = 00000101 → Two's complement = 11111011
Add: 00000011 + 11111011 = 00000010 (with carry ignored)
Answer: -2
ii. 2 – 7
2 = 00000010
7 = 00000111 → Two's complement = 11111001
Add: 00000010 + 11111001 = 11111011
Answer: -5
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Question 3
(a) Define the Control Unit of a computer (3 Marks)
The Control Unit is a component of the CPU that directs the operation of the processor by
interpreting and executing instructions.
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(b) Highlight any 5 key responsibilities of the Control Unit (5 Marks)
1. Fetch instructions from memory
2. Decode instructions
3. Control the execution of instructions
4. Direct data flow within the CPU
5. Coordinate with input/output and memory
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(c) What do you understand by Interrupt? (4 Marks)
An interrupt is a signal that causes the CPU to pause its current tasks to address a higher-
priority task or event, such as I/O operations or errors.
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Question 4
(a) Apart from Hardwired Control Unit and Microprogrammed Control Unit, list any other 5 types
of control unit in computer architecture (5 Marks)
1. Pipelined Control Unit
2. Out-of-Order Execution Control Unit
3. Multicycle Control Unit
4. Reconfigurable Control Unit
5. CISC Control Unit
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(b) What do you understand by Addressing Modes as related to computer system architecture?
(2 Marks)
Addressing modes are techniques used in instruction sets to specify operands (data) for the
CPU to process, determining how the effective address of the data is calculated.
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(c) Simply mention any 5 different types of Addressing modes (5 Marks)
1. Immediate Addressing
2. Direct Addressing
3. Indirect Addressing
4. Register Addressing
5. Indexed Addressing
Question 5
(a) What do you understand by Performance Measure in computer system architecture? (4
Marks)
Performance measure refers to how effectively and efficiently a computer system performs
tasks. It evaluates the speed, throughput, latency, and responsiveness of the system, helping to
determine how well hardware and software components work together.
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(b) List any 5 different parameters to evaluate the Performance Measure of a computer system
(5 Marks)
1. Clock Speed (GHz) – Determines how many operations per second the CPU can perform.
2. Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) – Average number of instructions executed per CPU cycle.
3. Throughput – Amount of work done in a given period (e.g., transactions per second).
4. Latency – Time taken to respond to a task or request.
5. Cache Hit Rate – Frequency with which data requested is found in the cache.
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(c) Explain the concept of single bus and multiple bus architecture. (3 Marks)
Single Bus Architecture: All components share one common communication path (bus). It's
cost-effective but can lead to bottlenecks.
Multiple Bus Architecture: Uses several buses to allow simultaneous data transfers between
different parts of the system, improving performance and reducing congestion.
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Question 6
(a) Explain Bus Arbitration. (2 Marks)
Bus arbitration is the process of deciding which device gets control of the bus when multiple
devices request access simultaneously. It ensures orderly communication without conflicts.
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(b) Mention any 5 Bus Arbitration techniques that you know (5 Marks)
1. Daisy Chaining
2. Centralized Parallel Arbitration
3. Distributed Arbitration using self-selection
4. Distributed Arbitration using collision detection
5. Time Division Multiplexing
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(c) Using a suitable diagram, explain the concepts of Memory Hierarchy from the fastest and
smallest to the slowest and largest. (5 Marks)
Memory Hierarchy (Top to Bottom):
Registers → Cache → Main Memory (RAM) → Secondary Storage (SSD/HDD) → Tertiary Storage
(Optical/Cloud)
Registers: Fastest, smallest, in CPU
Cache: Very fast, stores frequently used data
RAM: Temporary storage for running programs
SSD/HDD: Large and slower, long-term storage
Tertiary: Used for backups or archival data
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Question 7
(a) Explain the concept of parallel computing (5 Marks)
Parallel computing is a method where multiple processors or cores execute multiple tasks
simultaneously. It improves speed and efficiency, especially in high-performance computing
tasks like simulations or data processing.
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(b) Differentiate between Synchronous and Asynchronous Buses (4 Marks)
Synchronous Bus: Uses a clock signal for coordination. Data transfer is timed.
Asynchronous Bus: No global clock. Uses handshake protocols for data transfers.
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(c) In a tabular form, highlight the merits of single bus and multiple bus architecture. (3 Marks)
