AQA A Level · Computer Science 7517

Internal hardware components of a computer: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Internal hardware components of a computer.

10 questions27 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following best describes the function of the Memory Buffer Register (MBR)?

Question 2

1 mark

What is the primary difference between the von Neumann and Harvard architectures?

Question 3

1 mark

Why must the volatile environment of a processor be saved when an interrupt occurs?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following internal computer components is responsible for managing the flow of data between the CPU and external devices by translating data formats?

Question 5

1 mark

In the context of the Fetch-Execute cycle, what happens immediately after the instruction is loaded into the Current Instruction Register (CIR)?

Question 6

3 marks

Explain the primary difference between the address bus and the data bus regarding the direction of signal flow.

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Question 7

4 marks

Describe the specific role of the Current Instruction Register (CIR) within the processor during the decode stage of the Fetch-Execute cycle.

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Question 8

5 marks

Explain how an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) is triggered and why the processor must save the current volatile environment before executing it.

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Question 9

6 marks

Consider the internal hardware of a computer processor following the Von Neumann architecture.

(a) Describe the specific role of the Status Register. (2 points)
(b) Explain the difference between immediate addressing and direct addressing. (2 points)
(c) When an interrupt occurs, why must the processor save its volatile environment? (2 points)

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Question 10

4 marks

Compare the use of Harvard architecture and von Neumann architecture in modern computing. Specifically, identify one environment where Harvard architecture is preferred and explain why.

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