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### Detailed Explanations:
1. Discuss Memory vs Storage:
- Explanation: Memory and storage serve different purposes in computing. Memory (RAM) is volatile and used for temporary data storage while a computer is powered on. Storage (HDD, SSD) is non-volatile, storing data persistently. Memory provides fast access for active processes, while storage holds data long-term.
2. Discuss Memory Hierarchy:
- Explanation: Memory hierarchy arranges memory types by speed and proximity to the CPU. It includes registers, cache, main memory (RAM), secondary storage (SSD, HDD), and tertiary storage. Each level trades speed for capacity, optimizing performance and storage.
3. Calculate time to access a disk sector:
- Explanation: Time = Seek Time + Rotational Delay + Transfer Time. - Seek Time: 9 ms. - Rotational Delay (on average): 1/2 (1 / (Rotational Rate / 60)) seconds. - Transfer Time: 1 / Data Transfer Rate. - Calculate the sum for total access time.
4. Fundamental Concept of Cache Memory:
- Explanation: Cache memory stores frequently used data for quick access by the CPU. It's a small, high-speed memory between RAM and the CPU. The fundamental concept is to exploit the principle of temporal and spatial locality to enhance performance.
5. Compare SRAM and DRAM:
- Explanation: - Technology: SRAM is static and uses flip-flops, DRAM is dynamic and uses capacitors. - Speed: SRAM is faster due to its static nature; DRAM is slower but more dense. - Cost: SRAM is more expensive due to its complexity; DRAM is cheaper. 6. Mix of I/O Mechanisms for User Friendliness and Flexibility: - Explanation: A mix of I/O mechanisms, including polling, interrupts, and DMA (Direct Memory Access), offers user-friendliness and flexibility. Polling suits simple systems, interrupts handle events, and DMA allows devices to transfer data directly to memory without CPU intervention.
7. Why Locality of Memory Reference is Important:
- Explanation: Locality of reference refers to the tendency of programs to access a small, localized subset of their address space. It is crucial for performance as it allows caching to be effective. Temporal locality (reusing recently accessed data) and spatial locality (accessing nearby data) enhance cache efficiency.
8. Discuss Buses in Computer Design:
- Explanation: Buses are communication pathways connecting various components in a computer. - Address Bus: Carries addresses of data locations. - Data Bus: Transfers data between components. - Control Bus: Manages data transfer and communication control signals.
### Quiz Questions:
1. What is the correct order of a Memory Read transaction?
- Answer: Address is placed on the address bus → Memory is selected → Data is read from memory to the data bus → Data is transferred to the CPU.
2. What is the correct order of a Memory Write transaction?
- Answer: Address is placed on the address bus → Memory is selected → Data is placed on the data bus → Data is written to the memory location.
3. The moment you turn on your computer, it begins to access the BIOS. Which type of memory is used in BIOS? - Answer: Flash memory or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is typically used in BIOS.
4. Data can come from information stored in the computer's non-volatile storage, or it can come from peripheral devices, such as keyboards. Regardless of whether it is input through a peripheral device or taken from storage, which type of memory does most data go through first? - Answer: Most data goes through RAM (Random Access Memory) first for quick access and manipulation.
5. What is the high-speed memory between the main memory and the CPU called? - Answer: Cache memory.
6. Whenever the data is found in the cache memory, it is called as ________?
- Answer: Cache Hit.
7. A D flip flop stores __________?
- Answer: A D flip-flop stores one bit of data.
8. Components that provide internal storage to the CPU are ______?
- Answer: Registers provide internal storage to the CPU.
9. The main advantage of multiple bus organization over a single bus is ______? - Answer: Increased bandwidth and reduced contention are advantages of multiple bus organization.
10. Which are true about DRAM and SRAM? (Select as many are appropriate; incorrect selections will penalize marks) - Answer: - True for DRAM: Cheaper, higher density. - True for SRAM: Faster, more expensive.
