MODULE 2: PROCESSOR & MEMORY ORGANIZATION — QUESTIONS
A. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
1. A microcontroller typically contains:
A. Only a CPU
B. CPU + RAM + ROM + I/O ports
C. CPU + GPU + Sound card
D. RAM + external hard disk
2. The Harvard architecture is characterized by:
A. One memory for both instructions and data
B. Two separate memories for instructions and data
C. Only data memory
D. No memory at all
3. Which bus carries the actual data between processor and memory?
A. Address bus
B. Control bus
C. Data bus
D. System clock
4. Flash memory is used in embedded systems primarily to store:
A. Temporary variables
B. Permanent program code
C. Sensor readings
D. Stack frames
5. In the Von Neumann architecture:
A. Instruction and data memory are separate
B. One shared memory stores both data and instructions
C. Only instructions are stored
D. Only data is stored
6. Which of the following is a volatile memory?
A. ROM
B. Flash
C. EEPROM
D. RAM
7. The Program Counter (PC) holds:
A. Currently executing instruction
B. Address of next instruction to execute
C. Address of the last executed instruction
D. Address of RAM location
8. The ALU performs:
A. Logic and arithmetic operations
B. Memory storage
C. Instruction fetching
D. Clock generation
9. The control bus carries:
A. Data only
B. Memory addresses only
C. Read/write signals and control signals
D. Error codes
10. The Stack Pointer is used to manage:
A. ADC conversions
B. Output interrupts
C. Function calls and return addresses
D. Memory mapping
B. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Define a microcontroller.
2. Define a microprocessor.
3. State two differences between microprocessor and microcontroller.
4. What is the purpose of the data bus?
5. What is the role of the control bus?
6. Define volatile memory with examples.
7. Define non-volatile memory with examples.
8. What is Flash memory used for?
9. What is memory mapping?
10. What is the role of the ALU in a processor?
C. LONG / ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Describe the internal architecture of a microcontroller with a labeled diagram.
2. Explain Harvard and Von Neumann architectures, stating key differences.
3. Discuss the different types of memory in embedded systems with examples.
4. Explain the function of CPU components: ALU, Registers, PC, SP, and Control Unit.
5. Describe the different types of system buses and their functions.
6. Explain the memory layout of a typical microcontroller (e.g., ATmega328P).
7. With a diagram, explain how the CPU communicates with memory.
8. Compare volatile and non-volatile memories in detail.
9. Explain why the Harvard architecture is preferred in microcontrollers.
10. Discuss the importance of memory addressing and memory maps.
D. FILL-IN-THE-BLANKS
1. A microcontroller is a __________ containing CPU, RAM, ROM, and I/O ports.
2. In Harvard architecture, __________ and __________ memory are separated.
3. The bus used to send memory addresses is called the __________ bus.
4. __________ memory stores the firmware of an embedded system.
5. The ALU performs __________ and __________ operations.
6. RAM is a __________ type of memory.
7. The Program Counter holds the address of the __________ instruction.
8. EEPROM stands for ________________________________.
9. The Stack Pointer stores the address for __________ operations.
10. In Von Neumann architecture, instructions and data share the same __________.
E. TRUE / FALSE QUESTIONS
1. A microprocessor contains integrated RAM and ROM.
2. The Harvard architecture uses separate buses for instructions and data.
3. RAM is non-volatile memory.
4. EEPROM can retain data after power is removed.
5. The Control Unit manages data flow inside the CPU.
6. The Address bus carries control signals.
7. The ALU performs logic and arithmetic functions.
8. Flash memory stores program code permanently.
9. The data bus is bidirectional.
10. Microcontrollers consume more power than microprocessors.
F. APPLICATION-BASED QUESTIONS
1. Explain how the Harvard architecture improves performance in microcontrollers used in
real-time systems.
2. A student wants to design a temperature logging device:
o Which types of memory are required?
o Which bus is used to send data to memory?
o Which memory stores the permanent logging code?
3. Draw and explain the memory layout of an ARM Cortex-M microcontroller.
4. A microcontroller must store calibration data permanently. Which memory type is most
suitable? Explain why.
5. Discuss how the CPU, RAM, Flash, and buses interact during program execution.
G. DIAGRAM QUESTIONS
Students should draw and label:
1. Internal architecture of a CPU
2. Harvard architecture diagram
3. Von Neumann architecture diagram
4. Bus system (address, data, control buses)
5. Memory layout of a microcontroller
6. Block diagram of a microcontroller showing CPU, memory, and peripherals
7. Diagram showing how CPU connects to RAM and ROM