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CIT 3150 Computer Systems Architecture

This document contains an exam for a first year computer science course on computer systems architecture. It includes 5 questions assessing students' understanding of topics like: 1) The main components of the Von Neumann architecture and how they function together. 2) Computer registers like the program counter and how they are used. 3) The fetch-execute cycle and how instructions are processed. 4) Memory hierarchies and technologies like cache versus main memory. 5) Low-level components that make up a basic computer system. The exam tests students' knowledge of fundamental computer engineering concepts as well as their ability to analyze and compare different computer system designs and technologies.

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Matheen Tabid
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93 views3 pages

CIT 3150 Computer Systems Architecture

This document contains an exam for a first year computer science course on computer systems architecture. It includes 5 questions assessing students' understanding of topics like: 1) The main components of the Von Neumann architecture and how they function together. 2) Computer registers like the program counter and how they are used. 3) The fetch-execute cycle and how instructions are processed. 4) Memory hierarchies and technologies like cache versus main memory. 5) Low-level components that make up a basic computer system. The exam tests students' knowledge of fundamental computer engineering concepts as well as their ability to analyze and compare different computer system designs and technologies.

Uploaded by

Matheen Tabid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MERU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

P.O. Box 972-60200 – Meru-Kenya.


Tel: +254 (0)799529958, +254 (0)799529959, +254 (0)712524293
Website: www.must.ac.ke Email: info@must.ac.ke
University Examinations 2018/2019

FIRST YEAR, FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF


BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, BACHELOR OF
BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER
SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

CIT 3150: COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE

DATE: SEPTEMBER, 2019 TIME: 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer question one and any other two questions.

QUESTION ONE (30 MARKS)


a) Define the following terms; (4 Marks)
(i) Computer system architecture
(ii) Computer organization
b) Use a diagram to show the main components of a computer based on the Von Neumann
architecture. (4 Marks)
c) State the functions of each component in question 1b. (4 Marks)
d) The Von Neumann machine make use of several registers. Briefly describe the use of the
following registers; (6 Marks)
(i) Program Counter
(ii) Instruction Register
(iii) Memory Address Register
e) A computer system can be viewed as a layered system of different levels hierarchy and
functionalities with a well- coordinated system architecture. Mention and discuss the six
level. (6 Marks)
f) Discuss the Fetch and the Execute cycle steps of a computer program cycle. Use the
following diagram to show your understanding on the program execution. Explain the six
steps as shown in the example given. (6 Marks)

Meru University of Science & Technology is ISO 9001:2015 Certified


Foundation of Innovations Page 1
QUESTION TWO (20 MARKS)

a) Compare and contrast the Cache memory and the internal main memory. (4 Marks)
b) Discuss the following terms; (4 Marks)
(i) Bus structure

Meru University of Science & Technology is ISO 9001:2015 Certified


Foundation of Innovations Page 2
(ii) The Bus protocol
c) At the very basic level, a computer system is a device consisting of three components.
Mention and discuss these three components. (6 Marks)
d) A Mr. Jones, a 1st year student in Meru University intends to buy a computer that he
could use while in the University as a tool while in the university as well in the hostels.
Kindly advise him on the kind and type of a computer system he could buy. Give him the
full specification of a good computer. (6 Marks)

QUESTION THREE (20 MARKS)

a) Draw and explain the generic model of I/O module. (6 Marks)


b) Explain the I/O functions (4 Marks)
c) Compare and contrast the 1960 computers and 2018 computers (6 Marks)
d) Discuss the memory Hierarchy on a computer system. Draw a diagram to illustrate your
answer. (4 Marks)

QUESTION FOUR (20 MARKS)

a) Discuss at least five operating system services. (6 Marks)


b) Discuss the five state process model of the operating system. Draw the diagram to
illustrate your answer. (4 Marks)
c) Discuss the instruction cycle with an interrupt. (4 Marks)
d) Compare and contrast SRAM and DRAM (6 Marks)

QUESTION FIVE (20 MARKS)

a) Draw and discuss the CPU internal structure. (6 Marks)


b) State and explain three types of ROM (4 Marks)
c) In reference to instruction addressing modes, discuss the following modes and give at
least one example of each. (6 Marks)
(i) Immediate
(ii) Direct
d) Compare and contrast serial and parallel data transfer. (4 Marks)

Meru University of Science & Technology is ISO 9001:2015 Certified


Foundation of Innovations Page 3

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