1. Which feature distinguishes RISC from CISC processors?
a) Complex instruction set
b) Reduced instruction set
c) Large cache memory
d) High clock frequency
Answer: b) Reduced instruction set
Explanation: RISC processors utilize a simplified instruction set, focusing on executing a few instructions efficiently, while CISC processors have a more complex instruction set, capable of performing multiple operations in a single instruction.
2. What is a notable characteristic of 8086 microprocessor architecture?
a) Reduced instruction set
b) 16-bit data bus
c) Single-core architecture
d) Limited memory addressing capabilities
Answer: b) 16-bit data bus
Explanation: The 8086 microprocessor features a 16-bit data bus, allowing it to transfer data between the processor and memory in 16-bit chunks, enhancing data throughput compared to processors with narrower data buses.
3. In which mode does the 8086 microprocessor operate with the assistance of an external bus controller?
a) Minimum mode
b) Maximum mode
c) Protected mode
d) Real mode
Answer: b) Maximum mode
Explanation: In maximum mode, the 8086 microprocessor operates with the assistance of an external bus controller, allowing for more sophisticated system configurations and bus control capabilities compared to minimum mode.
4. Which processor succeeded the 8086 and introduced advanced instruction set extensions?
a) 80186
b) 80286
c) 80386
d) 80486
Answer: b) 80286
Explanation: The 80286 microprocessor succeeded the 8086 and introduced advanced instruction set extensions, along with support for virtual memory and protected mode operation.
5. What is a key feature of 8088 microprocessor architecture?
a) 8-bit data bus
b) 32-bit instruction set
c) Multi-core architecture
d) Floating-point processing unit
Answer: a) 8-bit data bus
Explanation: The 8088 microprocessor features an 8-bit data bus, which constrains its data transfer capabilities compared to the 16-bit data bus of the 8086.
6. Which mode of operation is used when the 8086 microprocessor operates without the assistance of an external bus controller?
a) Maximum mode
b) Minimum mode
c) Protected mode
d) Real mode
Answer: b) Minimum mode
Explanation: In minimum mode, the 8086 microprocessor operates without the assistance of an external bus controller, suitable for simpler system configurations.
7. What feature distinguishes the 80486 microprocessor from its predecessors?
a) Introduction of pipelining
b) On-chip cache memory
c) Support for multiprocessing
d) 32-bit address bus
Answer: b) On-chip cache memory
Explanation: The 80486 microprocessor introduced on-chip cache memory, enhancing performance by reducing memory access times and improving data throughput.
8. Which microprocessor architecture introduced the concept of pipelining?
a) 80186
b) 80286
c) 80386
d) 80486
Answer: c) 80386
Explanation: The 80386 microprocessor architecture introduced pipelining, allowing for the overlapping of multiple instructions’ execution stages to improve processing efficiency.
9. Which processor introduced the concept of protected mode operation?
a) 80186
b) 80286
c) 80386
d) 80486
Answer: c) 80386
Explanation: The 80386 microprocessor introduced protected mode operation, enabling multitasking, virtual memory, and enhanced security features in operating systems.
10. Which microprocessor architecture featured a floating-point processing unit (FPU) on-chip?
a) 80286
b) 80386
c) 80486
d) Pentium
Answer: d) Pentium
Explanation: The Pentium microprocessor architecture featured a floating-point processing unit (FPU) on-chip, enhancing its ability to perform complex mathematical calculations efficiently.