REVIEW QUESTIONS - Computer Architecture and Organization
REVIEW QUESTIONS - Computer Architecture and Organization
REVIEW QUESTIONS - Computer Architecture and Organization
From Computer Organization and Architecture book, by W. Stallings - 8th edition - Pearson
Review Questions
1.1. What, in general terms, is the distinction between computer organization and computer
architecture?
Computer organization is how devices is implemented. Computer architecture is those
atributes visible to the programer.
Computer architecture refers to those attributes of a system visible to a
programmer or, put another way, those attributes that have a direct impact on
the logical execution of a program. Computer organization refers to the
operational units and their interconnections that realize the architectural
specifications.
1.2. What, in general terms, is the distinction between computer structure and computer
function?
Structure is how devices are interrelated, while function is the individual characteristics
of each one.
Structure: The way in which the components are interrelated
Function: The operation of each individual component as part of the
structure
1.3. What are the four main functions of a computer?
Data movement, data storage, data processing and control.
Data processing
Data storage
Data movement
Control
1.4. List and briefly define the main structural components of a computer.
CPU: known as processor as well, its the main computer component, responsible for the
main functions of the computer; I/O: responsible for the comunication between the
computer and the external world; system bus: responsible for the interconnection
between data storate, CPU and I/O; data storage: device responsible for data saving.
Central processing unit (CPU): Controls the operation of the computer and
performs its data processing functions; often simply referred to as processor.
Main memory: Stores data.
I/O: Moves data between the computer and its external environment.
System interconnection: Some mechanism that provides for
communication among CPU, main memory, and I/O.
1.5. List and briefly define the main structural components of a processor.
Control unit: manage the processor componentes and hence the computer itself; ALU:
make logical and aritmetic operations, being thus the processor brain; registers:
temporaly storage for data while processor operations; internal bus: interconnect control
unit, ALU and registers inside processor.
Control unit: Controls the operation of the CPU and hence the computer
Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): Performs the computers data processing
functions
Registers: Provides storage internal to the CPU
CPU interconnection: Some mechanism that provides for communication
among the control unit,ALU, and registers
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Problems
Determine the effective CPI, MIPS rate, and execution time for this program.
T = Ic x CPI x
T = 100.000 x 1,55 x (1 / 40 x 106)
T = 0,0003875 = 3,875 x 10-5