NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE, PLOT 91, CASDASTRAL ZONE, NNAMDI AZIKIWE EXPRESS WAY, JABI, ABUJA.
FACULTY OF SCIENCES
MARCH/APRIL 2014 EXAMINATION

COURSE CODE:           CIT309

COURSE TITLE:            COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

CREDIT UNIT:              3 CREDIT UNITS

TIME:                           3 HOURS

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER ANY FOUR QUESTIONS IN ALL

1a.       Explain the following:

1. Clock                                                                                                                           4 marks
2. Flags                                                                                                                            4.5 marks

1b.       List and briefly the four (4) characteristics of Reduced Instruction Set architecture           9 marks

2a.       Give 4 examples of shorter subcycles/operation that made up of instruction cycle.           5 marks

2b.       List and briefly explain the four (4) types of parallel processor system.                               17.5 marks

3a.       Write short note on the simultaneous execution of the action: Read word from memory and increment PC.                                                                                                                                    17½ marks

3b.       Using the instruction: ADD, R, Y to explain the following:

1. ADD, R, Y
2. Y
3. R                                                                                                                                  10 marks

4a.       Highlight the features and functionality of a multi programming system to accommodate multiple processor.                                                                                                                               7¹/₂ marks

4b.       Define the following:

i. processors instruction                                                                                                          2 marks

ii. Instruction                                                                                                                           4 marks

iii. Data types                                                                                                                          4 marks

5a.       List and discuss four (4) basic functions that a computer can perform                                 12 marks

5b.       Define the following:

i. Dual core processor chip                                                                                                     2 marks

ii. L2 cache                                                                                                                              2 marks

iii. System control element (SCE)                                                                                           2 marks

iv. Main store control (MSC)                                                                                                  2 marks

v. Memory card                                                                                                                      2 marks

6a.       Explain what is meant by Micro-operation?                                                                          7½ marks

6b.       When does the Overflow rule occur?                                                                                     10 marks