C952 Computer Architecture - Set 3 - Part 2

Correct Answer: Numbers with variable binary points

Floating-point arithmetic allows representation of very large and very small numbers, as it uses variable positions for the binary point.

Correct Answer: Multithreading

Multithreading enables the processor to switch to another thread during stalls, improving overall resource utilization.

Correct Answer: Measures the interval for executing instructions

A clock cycle defines the time for one tick of the CPU clock, regulating instruction execution timing and CPU synchronization.

Correct Answer: Reservation station

Reservation stations temporarily store instructions and data needed for execution, enabling efficient out-of-order processing.

Correct Answer: A natural unit of access, typically 32 or 64 bits

Words are groups of bits, often 32 or 64, that represent a natural unit for data access and processing in computer systems.

Correct Answer: Data hazard

Data hazards occur when an instruction depends on data not yet available, often resolved with techniques like forwarding.

Correct Answer: Defines OS and application program interactions

ABI provides a standard for binary portability across systems, defining how applications interface with the operating system.

Correct Answer: Overflow

Overflow happens when a floating-point numbers exponent is too large to represent, often resulting in an error.

Correct Answer: Cache memory

Cache memory stores frequently accessed data near the CPU, speeding up access times compared to main memory.

Correct Answer: Frame pointer

The frame pointer points to the stack area containing local variables and saved registers, supporting function calls.

Correct Answer: Compulsory miss

Compulsory misses occur when data is accessed for the first time and is not yet in the cache.

Correct Answer: Models sequential logic behavior

Finite-state machines define a series of states and transitions, commonly used in digital circuit design and control logic.

Correct Answer: Page table

Page tables map virtual addresses to physical memory locations, enabling efficient use of virtual memory systems.

Correct Answer: That data in the block is usable

The valid bit indicates if the data in a cache block is current and valid for access.

Correct Answer: Interrupt controller

The interrupt controller signals the CPU when devices need attention, allowing prompt service without constant polling.

Correct Answer: Direct-mapped cache

In a direct-mapped cache, each memory location maps to one cache line, simplifying retrieval but increasing potential conflicts.

Correct Answer: Improved rounding accuracy

The sticky bit is used to enhance rounding accuracy by tracking whether any nonzero bits exist after the round bit.

Correct Answer: A delay to resolve a pipeline hazard

Pipeline stalls, or bubbles, are introduced to temporarily stop instruction processing to resolve hazards.

Correct Answer: Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB)

The TLB stores recent address mappings, speeding up access by reducing frequent page table lookups.

Correct Answer: Direct Memory Access (DMA)

DMA facilitates direct memory-to-I/O transfers, freeing CPU resources for other tasks.