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CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
INSTITIÚID TEICNEOLAÍOCHTA CHORCAÍ
Semester 1 Examinations 2007/
Module Title: Computer Architecture
Module Code: COMH 6002
School: Mathematics & Computing
Programme Title: Higher Certificate in Science in Computing – Year 1
Programme Code: KCOME_6_Y
External Examiner(s): Ms. M. Meagher Internal Examiner(s): Mr. J. J. McEnery
Instructions: Answer FIVE questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Duration: 3 HOURS
Sitting: Spring 2008
Requirements for this examination:
Note to Candidates: Please check the Programme Title and the Module Title to ensure that you have received the correct examination paper. If in doubt please contact an Invigilator.
Q1. a) Explain the purpose of a motherboard in a computer. (6 Marks)
b) Draw a diagram of a motherboard and briefly explain three components shown in your diagram. (14 Marks)
Q2. a) Describe the memory hierarchy of a modern personnel computer. (9 Marks)
b) Paying particular attention to the speed , size and cost of each type of memory, explain the trade-offs made at different levels of the memory hierarchy. (11 Marks)
Q3. a) Write a detailed note on the operation of a hard disk drive in a computer. (10 Marks)
b) Using a CD-ROM drive as an example, outline how optical storage works. (6 Marks)
c) Explain the terms CD-R memory and CD-RW memory. (4 Marks)
Q4. a) Express the following Decimal numbers in the format described: i) 10010 in Binary ii) 7210 in Octal iii) 17110 in Hexadecimal (3 Marks)
b) Express the following decimal numbers in both one’s and two’s complement using 8 bits: i) (^8510) ii) -15 10 iii) -1 10 iv) 12710 (8 Marks)
c) Perform the following operations using two’s complement representation with 8 bits: i) 2010 - 25 10 ii) - 31 10 - 63 10 iii) - 33 10 - 65 10 (6 Marks)
