Input-Output Organization - peripheral devices, I-O interface, asynchronous data transfer, modes of transfer, priority interrupt, DMA, serial communication - One Line Questions

1. Asynchronous data transfer is characterized by: The sender and receiver using separate clock signals.
2. In I/O-mapped I/O (also known as port-mapped I/O), the CPU uses specific instructions like 'IN' and 'OUT' to: Access peripheral device registers.
3. Which type of DMA transfer is most efficient for high-speed peripherals? Burst Mode DMA
4. Which is a common application of serial communication? Connecting a keyboard or mouse to a computer.
5. When an interrupt occurs, what is the typical first step performed by the CPU? Save the current program counter and processor status.
6. What does DMA stand for in computer architecture? Direct Memory Access
7. Which mechanism allows multiple devices to request an interrupt, and the system prioritizes them? Priority Interrupt Controller
8. Interrupt-Initiated I/O allows a peripheral device to: Signal the CPU when it is ready for data transfer.
9. When an I/O device needs attention from the CPU, it typically uses a(n): Interrupt signal.
10. What is a key characteristic of synchronous serial communication? A shared clock signal synchronizes data transmission between sender and receiver.
11. What is a common use case for Direct Memory Access (DMA) in modern computers? Transferring data from a hard drive to RAM.
12. RS-232 is a standard primarily used for: Connecting peripherals like modems and terminals (often asynchronous).
13. What is the primary advantage of serial communication over parallel communication for long distances? Fewer wires are required, reducing cost and complexity.
14. Which of the following best describes 'memory-mapped I/O'? I/O devices are accessed using the same address space and instructions as memory.
15. What is a common peripheral device that utilizes serial communication? External Modem
16. Which component is essential for DMA to function? DMA Controller
17. Which mode of transfer involves the CPU actively checking the status of the I/O device before transferring data? Programmed I/O
18. What is the primary advantage of using a Priority Interrupt Controller? It allows the CPU to focus on critical tasks by handling interrupts in order of importance.
19. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a peripheral device in a computer system? It allows the computer to interact with the external environment.
20. What is a key disadvantage of Programmed I/O? It is inefficient because the CPU spends a lot of time polling.
21. What is the primary advantage of using DMA over Programmed I/O for large data transfers? Reduced CPU overhead, allowing the CPU to perform other tasks concurrently.
22. What is the main difference between memory-mapped I/O and I/O-mapped I/O? Memory-mapped I/O shares the same address space as memory, while I/O-mapped I/O uses a separate address space.
23. In a DMA controller, what information must be provided to initiate a transfer? The starting memory address, the number of words to transfer, and the direction of transfer (read/write).
24. In a daisy-chain priority interrupt system, the interrupt request lines are: Serially connected, with the request passing from one device to the next.
25. Which term describes the process by which an I/O device signals to the CPU that it requires attention? Interrupt
26. Which of the following is a type of input device? Keyboard
27. Which of the following is NOT a mode of data transfer between CPU and I/O devices? Cache Memory Access
28. Which type of I/O transfer is characterized by the CPU issuing a command to the I/O device and then waiting for it to complete the operation without further CPU involvement until completion? Programmed I/O
29. Which protocol is commonly used for synchronous serial communication? SPI
30. Which interface is designed for high-speed, general-purpose serial communication and connects many types of peripherals? USB (Universal Serial Bus)
31. Which of the following is a type of output device? Plotter
32. What is the fundamental difference between serial and parallel data transfer? Serial uses one wire for data, parallel uses multiple wires.
33. Which statement best describes the 'Bus Arbitration' process? A mechanism to control which device (CPU, DMA controller) gets access to the system bus at any given time.
34. A 'handshake' mechanism in I/O transfer typically involves: Control signals exchanged between the I/O device and the CPU/interface to coordinate data transfer.
35. In DMA transfer, what is 'cycle stealing'? The DMA controller temporarily taking control of the system bus from the CPU to transfer data.
36. In a priority interrupt system, what happens when a higher-priority interrupt occurs while a lower-priority interrupt is being serviced? The CPU suspends the lower-priority ISR and services the higher-priority interrupt.
37. In Programmed I/O, who is responsible for initiating and controlling the data transfer? The Central Processing Unit (CPU).
38. In the context of I/O interrupts, what is 'interrupt masking'? The process of disabling interrupts temporarily.
39. What is interrupt latency? The time from when an interrupt is generated to when the ISR begins execution.
40. The main benefit of Direct Memory Access (DMA) is: To reduce the burden on the CPU by allowing peripherals to transfer data directly to/from memory.
41. What is the main function of an I/O device controller? To act as an intermediary between the I/O device and the system bus, handling device-specific protocols and data formatting.
42. What is the role of the bus controller in I/O operations? To manage the flow of data and control signals between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices on the system bus.
43. What is the purpose of a 'parity bit' in some serial communication protocols? To provide a simple mechanism for error detection.
44. What is the main purpose of an I/O interface? To manage the flow of data between the CPU and peripheral devices.
45. In serial communication, what is the role of a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)? To convert parallel data from the CPU to serial data for transmission and vice versa.
46. What is the purpose of an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR)? To handle the specific event that caused the interrupt.
47. In asynchronous data transfer, what is the function of control lines like 'Strobe' and 'Ready'? To synchronize the data transfer between sender and receiver.
48. Serial communication involves: Transferring bits one after another over a single line.
49. In Burst Mode DMA, the DMA controller: Transfers a block of data continuously without interruption from the CPU.
50. Which of the following is an example of a parallel interface? Centronics (for printers)