About this previous year paper
Subject: Computer Architecture & Organization (EC403MTU)
Exam Type: Theory
Semester: IV (4th Semester)
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100
Section A – Short Questions (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
Concept-based 2-mark questions testing understanding of computer organization fundamentals.
Topics covered:
Computer performance measures (like MIPS, CPI, throughput)
Full adder design using half adder logic IEEE 754 32-bit floating-point format
Effective address of data Normalization and biasing
Structure vs. behavior in digital systems Characteristics of vertical microinstructions
Hardwired vs. microprogrammed control Levels of design abstraction in computer systems
Multiprogramming and pipelining
Section B – Descriptive / Design-Based Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)
These questions test analytical, design, and explanation skills.
Key questions include:
Design and working of a 4-bit carry look-ahead adder
Bus arbitration mechanisms — Daisy chaining, polling, independent requesting
Addressing modes — explanation with examples
Microprogram sequencer block diagram and explanation
Design of data path unit (ALU + register file)
Structure and specification of 8M × 8-bit DRAM chip
Organization of a four-stage instruction pipeline
Comparison between hardwired control and microprogrammed control, along with definitions of microinstruction, microoperation, and microcode
Section C – Long Answer / Problem Solving (2 × 15 = 30 Marks)
Analytical and detailed conceptual questions.
Questions:
Booth’s Algorithm: Explain and demonstrate signed number multiplication using Booth’s method (e.g., 4 × –5).
8085 Microprocessor: Draw and explain its functional block diagram in detail.
Short Notes on:
Cache memory Fixed point arithmetic
Vertical & horizontal microprogramming RISC and CISC architectures
Major Topics Covered
Digital arithmetic (adder design, Booth’s algorithm)
Control unit design (hardwired vs. microprogrammed) Memory organization (DRAM, cache)
Addressing modes Pipelining
Microprocessor architecture (8085) Computer performance measures
Purpose of the Paper
This exam tests both theoretical understanding and design knowledge of fundamental computer hardware and control organization concepts — essential for students pursuing Electronics, Computer Engineering, or related disciplines.