Chapter – 04

Ques.01: Shortly describe 5 key components of a Microcomputer.

Five key components are:
1) Processor
2) Memory
3) Input/output device
4) Disk storage and
5) Programs
Processor:
The processor executes or run a program. The processor must have the capability to
read and write the information in the computer’s memory. The processor tells the other parts
of the computer what to do. The processor can carry out the operations of the microcomputer.
Memory:
The memory is the place where everything is stored. The microcomputer’s memory is
just a temporary space like a chalkboard. Computer’s memory is not a permanent repository
like human; The computer’s memory simply provides a place where computing is happened.
Input/output device:
I/O device are generally works as a bridge between microcomputer’s and users. A
microcomputer gets what the user types on keyboard, the user sees what the computer writes
on the printer/displays on the screen.
Disk storage:
Disk storage are general category of storage mechanisms where data are recorded by
various electronic magnetic, optical or mechanical changes to a surface layer of one or more
rotating disks. A disk drive is a device implementing such a storage mechanism and is usually
distinguished from the disk medium.
Programs:
Programs tell a computer what to do. There are two different kinds of programs; System
programs and application programs.

Ques.02: What are the differences between server and Disk array?
Servers:
Servers make programs and data available for users having access to a computer
network.
Disk-arrays:
Disk array is a special kind of servers that uses a large portion of its processor’s power
simply to manage I/O for a collection of disk drivers. Disk arrays can contain many times more
storage space for program and data.
Ques.03: Describe Hardware Organization with Figure. (Processor, I/O device,
memory, Bus, Adapters)

1. Processor
2. Input/output device
3. Memory device
4. Buses
5. Adapters
Buses:
Buses connect the microprocessor to its memory and to the adapter that enable
connection to the other device through their ports or expansion slots. Buses interact the
hardware components of the microcomputer.
System buses define system performance and adapter compatibility.
Adapters:
Adapter enable the microprocessor to communication with and control I/O or storage
device.
Organization of a PC system -------- Page-72

Power supply Microprocessor

Memory
System bus Port

Port

Port

Add-in Cards

Qies.04: Describe 3 types of Buses.

Microcomputer has three buses__
1. Data
2. Address and
3. Control bus
 The buses connect the CPU (microprocessor) to each of the memory or I/O
devices. CPU is involved to the sending or receiving information to or from memory location.
When the CPU sends data to a devices or memory, it is called WRITE operation.
When the CPU receives data it is called Read operation.
Address Bus:
Address bus is unidirectional, information flows it over only in one direction,
from the CPU to the memory or I/O device. CPU generates address on the lines of the address
bus.
Data Bus:
Data bus is bi-directional (↔). Data can flow to and from the CPU through
it. Data bus can be either input or output depending on. Weather the CPU performs a READ or a
WRITE operation.

Microprocessor Address bus

CPU Data bus
Control bus

Figure: Microprocessor local buses

Control bus:
Control bus consists of a set of signals that is used to combine the activities of
separate microcomputer elements. Some of the signals are sent by the CPU to other
components.
Example: Read/Write, Reset, Interrupt.

Ques.05: What is System Bus?

System Bus:
Address lines, Data and Control bus combine build system bus. System buses
are guided to parallel to the bus slot.
Pow CPU
Port
Mem port
Port
Working principle of a Microcomputer:
The CPU controls the operations of a microcomputer. It fetches binary coded
instructions from main memory, decodes the instructions into a number of simple actions and
executes them. The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) of the CPU performs add, subtract, OR, AND,
invert or EX-OR (Exclusive OR) operations when instructed. The CPU contains an address
counter called instruction pointer (IP) which is used to hold address of the next instruction or
data to be fetched from memory. The CPU also contains general purpose registers which are
used for temporary storage of binary data and circuits for generating control signals.