Computer Architecture

1) In class, we discussed SRAM and DRAM memory modules.  Suppose in your SRC design, you only have enough time to use one type.  Under what circumstances would you use SRAM?  Under what circumstances would you use DRAM?

2) The Arduino Uno (one of their entry-level boards) has 2kB of SRAM, 1k of EEPROM, and 32kB of Flash-EEPROM.  A typical Arduino application will consist of three components:   a) program code (created once when the system is programed, and then read but never changed)   b) runtime variables (which change rapidly)   c) configuration variables (the kind set once by an external source, and then left alone). Of these components, what type of memory do each use?

3)  A certain processor has a 16-bit address bus communicating to memory.  A single layer of cache is added, with a block size of 16 bytes.  Show the Tag, Group, and Offset fields in the memory address if the cache is:

	Tag	Group	Offset
a) 2kB, fully associative
b) 2kB, direct-mapped

 

4)  A different processor claims it can support up to 512 MB of main memory.  A single layer of cache is added, with a block size of 64 bytes.  Show the Tag, Group, and Byte fields in the memory address if the cache is:

	Tag	Group	Offset
a) 16MB, direct-mapped
b) 16MB, 2-way set associative