NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
UNIVERSITY VILLAGE, PLOT 91, CASDASTRAL ZONE, NNAMDI AZIKIWE EXPRESS WAY, JABI, ABUJA.
FACULTY OF SCIENCES
JUNE/JULY 2013 EXAMINATION
COURSE CODE: CIT309
COURSE TITLE: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE (3 UNITS)
TIME ALLOWED: 21/2 HOURS
INSTRUCTION: ANSWER ANY FOUR QUESTIONS IN ALL
1a. Illustrate with simple diagram the basic Instruction fetch and execution cycle. [10.5 marks]
1b. Write short note on the three components of the C. P. U. [7 marks]
2a. When does the Overflow rule occur? [7.5 marks]
2b. Explain the (4) elements of a machine instruction. [10 marks]
3a. Give (4) examples of shorter sub cycles/operation that made up of an instruction cycle. [7.5 marks]
3b. Write short note on the following: [10 marks]
i. Multithreading
ii. Process switch
iii. Thread
iv. Thread switch
4a. List and briefly explain the four (4) characteristics of Reduced Instruction Set architecture. [10 marks]
4b. Differentiate between the Structure and Function of a Computer system. [7.5 marks]
5a. Discuss why (PC - MAR) must precede (Memory - MBR) operation in fetch cycle. [5.5 marks]
5b. State the (4) characteristics of reduced instruction set architectures. [12 marks]
6a. List and describe the two (2) basic tasks of control unit. [7 marks]
6b. Copy and complete the table below. [10.5 marks]
A |
B |
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