THEORY EXAMINATION (SEM–IV) 2016-17 COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE & ORGANIZATION

Subject: Computer Architecture & Organization (EC403MTU)

Exam Type: Theory
Semester: IV (4th Semester)
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

Section A – Short Questions (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

Concept-based 2-mark questions testing understanding of computer organization fundamentals.

Topics covered:

Computer performance measures (like MIPS, CPI, throughput)

Full adder design using half adder logic                 IEEE 754 32-bit floating-point format

Effective address of data                                         Normalization and biasing

Structure vs. behavior in digital systems                 Characteristics of vertical microinstructions

Hardwired vs. microprogrammed control               Levels of design abstraction in computer systems

Multiprogramming and pipelining

Section B – Descriptive / Design-Based Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

These questions test analytical, design, and explanation skills.

Key questions include:

Design and working of a 4-bit carry look-ahead adder

Bus arbitration mechanisms — Daisy chaining, polling, independent requesting

Addressing modes — explanation with examples

Microprogram sequencer block diagram and explanation

Design of data path unit (ALU + register file)

Structure and specification of 8M × 8-bit DRAM chip

Organization of a four-stage instruction pipeline

Comparison between hardwired control and microprogrammed control, along with definitions of microinstruction, microoperation, and microcode

Section C – Long Answer / Problem Solving (2 × 15 = 30 Marks)

Analytical and detailed conceptual questions.

Questions:

Booth’s Algorithm: Explain and demonstrate signed number multiplication using Booth’s method (e.g., 4 × –5).

8085 Microprocessor: Draw and explain its functional block diagram in detail.

Short Notes on:

Cache memory                                                              Fixed point arithmetic

Vertical & horizontal microprogramming                     RISC and CISC architectures

Major Topics Covered

Digital arithmetic (adder design, Booth’s algorithm)

Control unit design (hardwired vs. microprogrammed)           Memory organization (DRAM, cache)

Addressing modes                                                                    Pipelining

Microprocessor architecture (8085)                                          Computer performance measures

Purpose of the Paper

This exam tests both theoretical understanding and design knowledge of fundamental computer hardware and control organization concepts — essential for students pursuing Electronics, Computer Engineering, or related disciplines.