Solutions for Quick Revision

Q1. Define Pipelining.
Answer:

Pipelining is a technique used in CPUs to execute multiple instructions simultaneously.
The instruction is divided into stages (Fetch, Decode, Execute…), and each stage works in parallel.
It increases speed and performance of the processor.

Q2. Explain Main Memory.
Answer:

Q3. Explain Virtual Memory.
Answer:

Virtual memory is a technique where part of secondary storage (hard disk) works like main memory.
It allows computers to run bigger programs than RAM capacity.
Implemented using paging or segmentation.

Q1. Explain Instruction Cycle with flowchart.
Answer:
An instruction cycle describes how the CPU processes each instruction.

Steps:

Fetch: CPU fetches instruction from memory.
Decode: CPU interprets instruction and identifies required operation.
Execute: CPU performs the operation (arithmetic, memory access, branching etc.).
Store Result: Result is stored in register or memory.

Simple Flowchart:
Fetch → Decode → Execute → Store → Next Instruction

Q2. Explain Cache Memory with any one mapping technique.
Answer:
Cache Memory:

Mapping Technique (example: Direct Mapping):

Each block of main memory goes to one fixed location in cache.
Formula: Cache line = (Main memory block number) mod (Number of cache lines).
Simple and fast, but chances of conflict are high.

Q3. Differentiate RAM & ROM.

RAM	ROM
Volatile memory	Non-volatile memory
Data lost when power off	Data remains permanently
Used for temporarily storing programs/data	Used for permanent instructions (BIOS)
Read & Write	Read-only

Q1. Explain Memory Hierarchy and its characteristics.

Memory Hierarchy:
Arrangement of storage devices based on speed, cost, and size.

Levels (Top to Bottom):

Characteristics:

This arrangement gives the best cost–performance balance.

Q2. Explain Booth Multiplication Algorithm in detail.

Booth Algorithm:
Used for multiplication of signed binary numbers.

Main Idea:
It reduces number of addition operations by checking pairs of bits.

Rules:

Steps:

Q3. Differentiate Hardwired and Microprogrammed Control Unit.

Hardwired CU:

Microprogrammed CU:

1. Two phases of executing an instruction:
Ans. (b) Instruction fetch and instruction execution

Q2. Memory used to speed up processing:
Ans. (a) Cache memory

Q3. Subtraction in computer is carried out by:
Ans. (b) 2’s complement

Q4. Temporary storage during working on PC document:
Ans. (c) RAM

Q5. Memory blocks mapped to cache with help of:
Ans. (c) Mapping functions

Q6. If decimal point is placed to right of first digit, number is called:
Ans. (b) Normalized

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