QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS 8.1 What is the basic difference between main memory and secondary memory? 8.2 Compare the basic features of hard disk, floppy disk and Zip disk. 8.3 What are the main differences between CD and DVD memories? 8.4 Name the methods used in main memory array design. What are the advantages and disadvantages […]
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Memory I/O and Parallel Processing
Pipeline Processing , Basic Concepts , Arithmetic Pipelines and Instruction Pipelines
8.4.2 Pipeline Processing The purpose of this section is to provide a brief overview of pipelining. Basic Concepts Assume a task T is carried out by performing four activities: AI, A2, A3, and A4, in that order. Hardware Hi is designed to perform the activity Ai. Hi is referred to as a segment, and it […]
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Direct Memory Access (DMA) , Summary of I/O , Fundamentals of Parallel Processin and General Classifications of Computer Architectures
8.2.3 Direct Memory Access (DMA) Direct memory access (DMA) is a technique that transfers data between a microcomputer’s memory and an I/O device without involving the microprocessor. DMA is widely used in transferring large blocks of data between a peripheral device such as a hard disk and the microcomputer’s memory. The DMA technique uses a […]
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Input/Output , Programmed I/O , Interrupt I/O , Interrupt Types , Interrupt Address Vector , Saving the Microprocessor Registers and Interrupt Priorities
8.2 Input/Output One communicates with a microcomputer system via the I/O devices interfaced to it. The user can enter programs and data using the keyboard on a terminal and execute the programs to obtain results. Therefore, the I/O devices connected to a microcomputer system provide an efficient means of communication between the microcomputer and the […]
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