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)