BSCS Computer Architecture and Organization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the CPU's ALU stand for?
- Array Logic Unit
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (Correct answer)
- Automated Load Unit
- Algebraic Logic Utility
Correct answer: Arithmetic Logic Unit
The Arithmetic Logic Unit performs arithmetic (addition, subtraction) and logical (AND, OR, NOT) operations.
Question 2: Which memory type loses its contents when power is removed?
- ROM
- Flash memory
- RAM (Correct answer)
- EEPROM
Correct answer: RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is powered off.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the program counter (PC) register?
- Counts the number of programs executed
- Holds the memory address of the next instruction (Correct answer)
- Stores the result of arithmetic operations
- Manages interrupt requests
Correct answer: Holds the memory address of the next instruction
The Program Counter holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched and executed.
Question 4: Which cache level is typically the smallest and fastest in a modern CPU?
- L3 cache
- L2 cache
- L1 cache (Correct answer)
- LLC (Last Level Cache)
Correct answer: L1 cache
L1 cache is the closest to the CPU core, offering the lowest latency but smallest capacity.
Question 5: What does pipelining achieve in a CPU?
- Reduces instruction size
- Increases clock frequency only
- Overlaps execution of multiple instructions (Correct answer)
- Eliminates branch mispredictions
Correct answer: Overlaps execution of multiple instructions
Pipelining overlaps different stages (fetch, decode, execute) of multiple instructions to improve throughput.
Question 6: In two's complement representation, how is -1 represented in 8 bits?
- 10000001
- 11111110
- 11111111 (Correct answer)
- 10000000
Correct answer: 11111111
In 8-bit two's complement, -1 is represented as 11111111 (all ones).
BSCS Computer Architecture and Organization 1
What does the CPU's ALU stand for?