Question 1:

(a) What are the functions of various operational units of a computer system? What is von
Neumann Architecture? How can you relate von Neumann architecture to an actual
computer? Explain with the help of an example configuration
ANS:
A computer system consists of several operational units that work together to process data.
Here are the primary units and their functions:

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU):

Control Unit (CU): Directs the operation of the processor, telling the other units how to
respond to the instructions it has received.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations (e.g., addition,
subtraction, AND, OR).
Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU used to hold temporary data and
instructions during processing.

2. Memory:
Primary Memory (RAM): Stores data and instructions that are actively being used by the
CPU. It is volatile, meaning data is lost when the power is off.
Secondary Memory (HDD, SSD): Provides long-term storage for data and programs. It is
non-volatile, retaining data without power.

3. Input/Output Units (I/O):

Input Devices: Allow users to provide data to the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
Output Devices: Present data to users (e.g., monitor, printer).
I/O Controllers: Manage data exchange between the CPU and peripheral devices.

4. Bus System:
- A set of physical connections (wires) that facilitate communication between different
components of the computer (e.g., data bus, address bus, control bus).

Von Neumann Architecture

The von Neumann Architecture is a foundational computer architecture model that

describes a system where the CPU, memory, and I/O devices are interconnected. Key
characteristics include:

Single Memory Space: Both instructions and data are stored in the same memory unit.
Sequential Execution: Instructions are fetched from memory and executed sequentially
unless a control instruction alters the flow.
Stored Program Concept: Programs are stored in memory, allowing the CPU to fetch and
execute instructions directly.

Relation to an Actual Computer

 In a modern computer system, von Neumann architecture can be illustrated through a
typical configuration:

CPU: A multi-core processor with a CU and ALU, equipped with several registers.
Memory:
RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM for temporary data storage.
SSD: 512GB SSD for long-term storage of the operating system and applications.
I/O Devices:
Input: USB keyboard and mouse.
Output: 24-inch LED monitor.
Bus System: A high-speed data bus connects the CPU to RAM and SSD, facilitating rapid data
transfer.

Example Configuration

Consider a personal computer (PC) setup:

1. CPU: Intel Core i7 (4 cores, 8 threads) with integrated graphics.

2. Memory:
- 16GB DDR4 RAM.
- 1TB NVMe SSD for storage.
3. I/O Devices:
- Wireless keyboard and mouse.
- 27-inch monitor.
4. Bus System:
- PCIe for SSD connection.
- USB for peripherals.

In this configuration, the CPU retrieves instructions and data from the SSD (stored program)
into RAM, processes them using the ALU, and sends results to the output devices. The
control unit manages the overall operation, ensuring that the flow of data and instructions
follows the von Neumann principles.

This architecture allows for flexible program execution and efficient resource utilization,
making it the basis for most modern computer systems.

(b) Compare and contrast the characteristics and/or organization of the following:
(i) DRAM Vs. SRAM
Ans:
 (ii) Access time on Magnetic disks Vs. access time on Magnetic tapes
Ans:

(iii) Pen Drive Vs. CD-RW

Ans:

(iv) ROM Vs. PROM

 Ans:

Q.1 (c) Convert the following numbers as stated

(i) Decimal 64.005125 to binary
ANSWER:
Integer Part (64):

1. Divide by 2 and record the remainder:

o 64 ÷ 2 = 32 (remainder 0)
o 32 ÷ 2 = 16 (remainder 0)
o 16 ÷ 2 = 8 (remainder 0)
o 8 ÷ 2 = 4 (remainder 0)
o 4 ÷ 2 = 2 (remainder 0)
o 2 ÷ 2 = 1 (remainder 0)
o 1 ÷ 2 = 0 (remainder 1)

Reading the remainders from bottom to top, 64 in binary is 1000000.

Fractional Part (0.005125):

1. Multiply by 2:
o 0.005125 × 2 = 0.01025 (0)
o 0.01025 × 2 = 0.0205 (0)
o 0.0205 × 2 = 0.041 (0)
o 0.041 × 2 = 0.082 (0)
o 0.082 × 2 = 0.164 (0)
o 0.164 × 2 = 0.328 (0)
o 0.328 × 2 = 0.656 (0)
o 0.656 × 2 = 1.312 (1)
o 0.312 × 2 = 0.624 (0)
o 0.624 × 2 = 1.248 (1)
o 0.248 × 2 = 0.496 (0)
o 0.496 × 2 = 0.992 (0)
o 0.992 × 2 = 1.984 (1)
o 0.984 × 2 = 1.968 (1)
o 0.968 × 2 = 1.936 (1)
o 0.936 × 2 = 1.872 (1)
o 0.872 × 2 = 1.744 (1)

The binary approximation of the fractional part is 000000111101001 (stopping after 15 bits).
Combining both parts, 64.005125 in binary is approximately 1000000.000000111101001.

(ii) Decimal 2376 to hexadecimal

Ans:

(iv) Character A and Z to ASCII and Unicode Hexadecimal CFE9A to binary

Ans:

d. What is an instruction? What are its components? What is the role of an instruction in a
computer? Explain with the help of an example. Where does the instruction reside at the
time of execution.
Ans:
An instruction is a binary-coded command that tells the CPU to perform a specific
operation. It is a fundamental part of a computer's architecture and is executed by the
processor to perform tasks like arithmetic calculations, data movement, control operations,
and more.

Components of an Instruction

An instruction typically consists of the following components:

1. Op code (Operation Code):

o Specifies the operation to be performed (e.g., ADD, SUBTRACT, LOAD,
STORE).
2. Operands:
o Specify the data or the addresses of the data involved in the operation.
Operands can be:
 Registers (e.g., R1, R2)
 Memory addresses (e.g., 0x0040)
 Immediate values (e.g., 10)
3. Addressing Mode (optional):
o Defines how the operand is to be interpreted (e.g., direct, indirect, register,
or indexed).

Role of an Instruction in a Computer

The role of an instruction in a computer is to direct the CPU to perform tasks, enabling the
execution of programs. Instruction forms the basic building blocks of software, allowing
high-level operations to be translated into machine-level actions.

Execution Process

1. Fetch: The CPU fetches the instruction from memory.

2. Decode: The CPU decodes the instruction to understand the operation (in this case,
ADD) and the operands (R1, R2, R3).
3. Execute: The CPU performs the addition of R2 and R3 and places the result in R1.

Where Does the Instruction Reside at the Time of Execution?

During execution, the instruction resides in the CPU's instruction register. Initially,
instructions are stored in the computer's memory (RAM) and fetched into the CPU for
processing. The instruction register holds the currently executing instruction, allowing the
CPU to decode and execute it efficiently.

In summary, instructions are critical to computer operation, directing the CPU on how to
process data. They consist of an op code and operands, playing a vital role in program
execution. At the time of execution, instructions are fetched from memory and reside in the
instruction register within the CPU.

e. A 2.5 inch diameter disk has 8 platters with each platter having two data recording
surfaces, each platter on disk has 4084 tracks, each track has 400 sectors and one sector
can store 1 MB of data. Calculate the storage capacity of this disk in Bytes. If this disk has a
seek time of 2 milli-seconds and rotates at the speed of 6000 rpm, find the Access time for
the disk. Make suitable assumptions, if any.
Ans:
 f. What are the uses of various components of motherboard of a computer? List at least four
output devices and ports to which these devices can be connected. Explain the
characteristics of these output devices and ports.
Ans

Uses of Various Components of a Motherboard

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket:

o Purpose: The CPU socket is where the processor is mounted on the
motherboard. It allows the processor to communicate with the rest of the
system.
o Function: Manages and processes instructions received from software,
performs calculations, and controls input/output operations.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM) Slots:
o Purpose: These slots hold the memory modules (RAM).
o Function: RAM temporarily stores data that the CPU uses while running
programs, allowing for faster access to data compared to storage drives.
3. Chipset (Northbridge and Southbridge):
o Purpose: The chipset manages data flow between the CPU, memory, and
peripherals.
o Function:
 Northbridge: Handles high-speed communication between the CPU,
RAM, and graphics card.
 Southbridge: Manages slower connections like hard drives, USB
devices, and audio.
4. Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and PCI Express (PCIe) Slots:
o Purpose: These slots are used for adding expansion cards (such as graphics
cards, network cards, sound cards, etc.).
 o Function: PCIe provides high-speed communication with components such as
GPUs, network interface cards, and storage devices.
5. SATA Ports (Serial ATA):
o Purpose: Used to connect storage devices like hard drives and SSDs.
o Function: Facilitates the transfer of data between storage devices and the
motherboard at high speeds.
6. Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI):
o Purpose: This is the firmware that initializes the motherboard's hardware
during the boot process.
o Function: It provides a low-level interface between the operating system and
hardware.

Four Output Devices and Their Corresponding Ports

1. Monitor
o Port: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA.
o Characteristics:
 HDMI and DisplayPort support high-definition video and audio.
 VGA and DVI are older standards, with VGA being analog and DVI
being digital.
 HDMI is common in modern systems and supports up to 4K resolution
and high-quality sound.
 DisplayPort is often used in gaming or high-performance setups for
better refresh rates and resolutions.
2. Printer
o Port: USB, Ethernet (LAN port), or Wireless (Wi-Fi).
o Characteristics:
 USB printers are the most common and easy to set up with plug-and-
play functionality.
 Ethernet-connected printers allow multiple users to share the printer
over a network.
 Wireless printers eliminate cable clutter and enable printing from
multiple devices over Wi-Fi.
3. Speakers/Headphones
o Port: 3.5mm audio jack or USB.
o Characteristics:
 The 3.5mm jack is used for analog audio output, typically for
headphones and basic speakers.
 USB-connected speakers or headphones may provide better sound
quality and are often used in conjunction with devices that support
virtual surround sound.
4. Projector
o Port: HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort.
o Characteristics:
 Projectors use HDMI or DisplayPort for high-definition video,
commonly used in presentations or large displays.
 VGA ports may still be found on older projectors and provide an
analog video connection.
  HDMI and DisplayPort are preferred for modern devices due to better
support for high-resolution content and audio.

(g) What are the uses of following Software:

(i) Data Compression Utility

Ans:  Purpose: A data compression utility is used to reduce the size of files or folders to
save storage space or make file transfers faster.

 Use Cases:

 Compressing large files to reduce storage requirements.

 Creating compressed archives (e.g., ZIP, RAR) to share multiple files as a single
package.
 Reducing file size for faster upload/download speeds.

 Examples: WinRAR, 7-Zip, WinZip.

(ii) Media Player

 Purpose: A media player is used to play multimedia content, including audio and video
files.
 Use Cases:

 Playing audio files (MP3, WAV, etc.) and video files (MP4, AVI, etc.).
 Streaming media content from the internet or local storage.
 Supporting multiple formats with the option to add codecs for wider compatibility.

 Examples: VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, KMPlayer.

(iii) Disk Defragmenter

 Purpose: A disk defragmenter rearranges fragmented data on a hard drive so that related
pieces of files are stored together. This improves access speed and overall system
performance.
 Use Cases:

 Reducing file fragmentation, which occurs when files are broken up into pieces
scattered across the hard disk.
 Optimizing hard disk performance by reducing the time it takes to read/write data.
 Enhancing system performance, especially for mechanical hard drives (HDDs).

 Examples: Windows Disk Defragmenter, Auslogics Disk Defrag.

(iv) Disk checker

 Purpose: A disk checker (or disk check utility) scans the hard drive for errors in the file
system or bad sectors, helping to prevent data corruption and improving disk reliability.
 Use Cases:

 Checking for and repairing file system errors (e.g., from improper shutdowns or
software crashes).
  Scanning for physical disk errors or bad sectors that can lead to data loss.
 Preventing or recovering from hard disk corruption by correcting detected issues.

 Examples: CHKDSK (Windows), fsck (Linux), EaseUS Partition Master.