Question

Computer Architecture

1. Define what a "word" is in computer architecture:

1. The size (number of bits) of the address
2. The total number of bits of an instruction (e.g. 16 bits)
3. Word and width are synonymous.
4. A word is the contents of a memory register.

2. What is the difference between a register’s width and a register’s address? (choose all that apply - there may be more than one correct answer)

1. They are both the same!
2. Address is the same for all registers, width is unique for each register.
3. Width is the amount of data a single register holds, address is the location of the register within a larger chip.
4. The address bits of a register is a logarithm of its width.

3. Which of the following is NOT implemented by the Program Counter?

1. Set the counter to 0.
2. Increase the counter by 1.
3. Decrease the counter by 1.
4. Set the counter to any input value.

4. What is the relationship between the size of the address (number of bits) and the word size for memory registers?

1. address bits = 2^(word size)
2. address bits = word size ^ 2
3. address bits = word size
4. address bits = log2(word size)
5. address bits = (word size) / 2

Answer 1

Question 1 :

Define what a "word" is in computer architecture:

Answer : Option b - The total number of bits of an instruction (e.g. 16 bits)

Explanation : A word is a unit of data by the instruction set. A word is an instruction in instruction set. It calculates the number of bits of an instruction.

Question 2 :

What is the difference between a register’s width and a register’s address?

Answer : Option c, Option b

- Width is the amount of data a single register holds, address is the location of the register within a larger chip.

- Address is the same for all registers, width is unique for each register.

Explanation : Register's address is location of register and it may be same for all Registers. Register's width means how much data can be hold by a register , it is different for Registers based on their capacity.

Question 3 :

Which of the following is NOT implemented by the Program Counter?

Answer : Option c - Decrease the counter by 1

Explanation : Program counter is a register that stores the addresses of instructions which are ready for execution. It is used to fetch the instruction and the next instruction in sequence by incrementing the value by 1. So it increment the counter value by 1 but it not decrease the counter by 1. Therefore, the program counter not implement the function is "decrease the counter by 1".

Question 4 :

What is the relationship between the size of the address (number of bits) and the word size for memory registers?

Answer : Option a - address bits = 2^(word size)

Explanation : The size of address is based how many words of stored. The each word have a size. So based on word size address size is calculated. Address bits is space which is multiples of word size.

Address bits = 2^(word size)

If the word size is 32-bits, then address bits are 2³² bits.