Question 1:

a) A distinction is often made between computer architecture and computer organisation. Describe, using examples, the meaning of computer architecture.

b) Name the four main components of the Computer Processing Unit.

c) Explain the purpose of the Memory Buffer Register (MBR) and the Program Counter (PC).

d) How are the requirements for greater system power and fail-safe capabilities met?

e) What are the three key concepts on which the Von Neumann Architecture is based on?

f) What is a program?

Question 2:

a) Name the four fields of each line of an assembly program.

b) Explain the following assembly instructions:
(i) START LD X
(ii) BRA START

c) The memory hierarchy can be characterized by a number of parameters such as the access type, cycle time, latency and bandwidth. Briefly describe each parameter.

d) Describe the protocol used by the MMU (Memory Management Unit) to satisfy a request made by the processor for accessing a given element.