31.3.2. Next Module Overview

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does MDR stand for?

   Hint

   Think of where data is temporarily stored before transfer.

2. 2.

   What is one advantage of a single bus architecture?

   Hint

   Consider how many paths are involved in single versus multiple bus systems.

3. 3.

   What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) do?

   • Stores address locations
   • Holds temporarily transferred data
   • Performs calculations

   Hint

   Think about what happens during data transfer.

4. 4.

   True or False: A three-bus architecture is always faster than a single bus architecture.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider cases where complexity might add time.

5. 5.

   Design a multi-step instruction transfer process in a three-bus architecture for adding two values from registers. Describe each step and the control signals involved.

   Hint

   Think about where each piece of data needs to go and how the buses are utilized.

6. 6.

   Critically evaluate the design of a computer architecture that combines both single and three-bus systems. What trade-offs exist?

   Hint

   Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each system.