Input and Output (I/O) in Computer Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

Which of the following is a potential drawback of utilizing Direct Memory Access (DMA) for I/O operations?

Accepted Answer

Possible data integrity concerns

Answer

Reduced CPU workload

Answer

Enhanced data transfer rate

Answer

Simplified system design and implementation

Question 2

Direct Memory Access (DMA) is a technique that allows data transfer between memory and I/O devices without involving the CPU. What are the advantages of using DMA?

Accepted Answer

Reduced CPU usage

Accepted Answer

Faster data transfer

Answer

Enhanced security

Answer

Lower hardware costs

Question 3

For enhanced data transfer speeds in a computer system, which I/O addressing technique is optimal?

Accepted Answer

Memory-mapped I/O

Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O

Answer

Serial I/O

Question 4

In computer architecture, which bus protocol is specifically designed for high-speed data transfer within a computer system?

Accepted Answer

PCIe

Answer

SCSI

Answer

SATA

Answer

USB

Question 5

In a computer system, which I/O data transfer method uses a dedicated hardware component to enable direct data exchange between I/O devices and memory, reducing CPU involvement?

Accepted Answer

Direct Memory Access (DMA)

Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O

Answer

Bus protocols

Question 6

In I/O addressing, which technique allows the CPU to communicate with an I/O device without involving the memory?

Accepted Answer

Direct memory access (DMA)

Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O

Answer

Bus protocols

Question 7

Identify the operation that is not a type of Input/Output (I/O) operation in a computer system:

Accepted Answer

Arithmetic operation

Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O

Answer

Direct memory access (DMA)

Question 8

Which disadvantage is associated with interrupt-driven I/O?

Accepted Answer

Increased software complexity

Answer

Reduced CPU overhead

Answer

Increased data throughput

Answer

Improved system responsiveness

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT considered an input/output (I/O) device in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

CPU

Answer

Scanner

Answer

Network card

Answer

Hard disk drive

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT an I/O device in computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

Operating System

Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Printer

Answer

Network interface card

Question 11

Which I/O device is primarily designed for data exchange between a computer and external devices?

Accepted Answer

Network interface card (NIC)

Answer

Disk drive

Answer

Printer

Answer

Keyboard

Question 12

In which I/O technique does the CPU actively participate in transferring data?

Accepted Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O

Answer

Direct memory access (DMA)

Question 13

Which file system is specifically designed and optimized for solid-state drives (SSDs), offering improved performance and extended lifespan in SSD environments?

Accepted Answer

NVMe File System (NVMeFS)

Answer

FAT32

Answer

NTFS

Answer

exFAT

Question 14

Which file system is specifically designed for solid-state drives (SSDs), prioritizing performance and durability?

Accepted Answer

NVMe

Answer

FAT32

Answer

NTFS

Answer

exFAT

Question 15

Which file system is specifically designed for Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optimizing performance and longevity by leveraging SSD architecture?

Accepted Answer

F2FS

Answer

NTFS

Answer

exFAT

Question 16

In an interrupt-driven I/O system, which component notifies the CPU when an I/O device needs attention?

Accepted Answer

Interrupt controller

Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

DMA controller

Question 17

Within an operating system, what is the primary function of a device driver?

Accepted Answer

Manage and control individual hardware devices

Answer

Execute user commands and programs at a high level

Answer

Provide a visual interface for user interaction

Question 18

Which I/O addressing mode allows an I/O device to transfer data directly to or from memory without involving the CPU?

Accepted Answer

Direct memory access (DMA)

Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O

Question 19

For solid-state drives (SSDs), which file system is specifically designed to enhance performance and durability in SSD environments?

Accepted Answer

NVMe File System (NVMeFS)

Answer

FAT32

Answer

NTFS

Answer

exFAT

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a type of Input/Output (I/O) device?

Accepted Answer

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Answer

Printer

Answer

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Answer

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Question 21

Which device allows users to interact with a computer and is categorized as an input/output (I/O) device?

Accepted Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Monitor

Answer

CPU

Answer

Hard Disk Drive

Question 22

In a computer system, what is a key advantage of interrupt-driven I/O compared to programmed I/O?

Accepted Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O allows the CPU to perform other tasks while waiting for I/O operations to finish.

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O uses simpler hardware and software than programmed I/O.

Question 23

In memory-mapped I/O addressing, each input/output device has its own unique:

Accepted Answer

Address space

Answer

Register

Answer

Interrupt vector

Answer

Port

Question 24

In interrupt-driven I/O, how do hardware devices signal the CPU for attention, initiating the execution of the corresponding interrupt service routine?

Accepted Answer

Interrupt controller

Answer

Polling

Answer

DMA controller

Answer

Device driver

Question 25

Which file system is specifically designed and optimized for solid-state drives (SSDs) to enhance performance and extend their lifespan?

Accepted Answer

NVMe

Answer

FAT32

Answer

NTFS

Answer

ext4

Question 26

In interrupt-driven input/output (I/O), which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

I/O devices notify the CPU when they are ready to exchange data.

Answer

The CPU continuously checks I/O devices for data.

Answer

The CPU starts data transfers only when it has no other tasks.

Answer

The CPU regularly polls I/O devices for available data.

Question 27

Explain the typical architecture of an I/O bus, highlighting its role in facilitating efficient data transfer within a computer system.

Accepted Answer

An I/O bus typically features a bidirectional data path, allowing data to flow between the processor and devices in both directions.

Accepted Answer

Address lines on an I/O bus are used to identify the specific I/O device involved in the data transfer.

Answer

I/O buses do not have a dedicated memory interface, requiring additional hardware to manage data transfer.

Question 28

In the context of file systems, explain the concept of journaling and discuss how it helps maintain data integrity during I/O operations.

Accepted Answer

Journaling involves keeping a record of all file system changes, ensuring that the file system can be restored to a consistent state in case of a system failure.

Answer

Journaling is a technique that enhances file system performance by minimizing disk writes.

Answer

Journaling is used to accelerate file system operations by caching frequently accessed data.

Answer

Journaling is a technique that compresses data before writing it to disk, reducing the required storage space.

Question 29

In an interrupt-driven I/O system, how does the interrupt controller manage multiple simultaneous interrupt requests?

Accepted Answer

It masks lower-priority interrupts while a higher-priority interrupt is being processed.

Answer

It processes all interrupts in the order they are received, regardless of priority.

Answer

It forwards all interrupt requests to the CPU, which determines the priority and handles them accordingly.

Answer

It ignores all but the highest-priority interrupt request, ensuring that it is handled first.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a common category of I/O devices?

Accepted Answer

Power supply

Answer

Input devices

Answer

Output devices

Answer

Storage devices

Question 31

What is the primary responsibility of an I/O controller?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate communication between the CPU and I/O devices

Answer

To store data and instructions

Answer

To execute user programs

Answer

To provide power to the computer

Question 32

Which of the following techniques is used to improve I/O efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Both buffering and caching

Answer

Buffering

Answer

Caching

Question 33

What is the key difference between synchronous and asynchronous I/O?

Accepted Answer

Synchronous I/O requires the CPU to wait for completion of I/O operations, while asynchronous I/O does not

Answer

Asynchronous I/O requires the CPU to wait for completion of I/O operations, while synchronous I/O does not

Answer

Synchronous I/O is faster than asynchronous I/O

Answer

Asynchronous I/O is more efficient than synchronous I/O

Question 34

In computer architecture, which of these is NOT considered an I/O device?

Accepted Answer

Processor

Answer

Printer

Answer

Modem

Answer

Keyboard

Question 35

When comparing DMA (Direct Memory Access) to traditional programmed I/O methods in computer architecture, which of the following is a potential drawback?

Accepted Answer

Increased design complexity and potential security vulnerabilities

Answer

Lower CPU utilization

Answer

Slower data transfer speeds

Answer

Reduced system efficiency

Question 36

In an I/O system, which component is responsible for overseeing the movement of data between the CPU and I/O devices?

Accepted Answer

Bus controller

Answer

Interrupt controller

Answer

Device driver

Answer

Memory controller

Question 37

In I/O operations, when is Direct Memory Access (DMA) used to manage data exchange between I/O devices and memory?

Accepted Answer

When the I/O device transfers data much faster than the CPU, potentially causing data loss if the CPU can't keep up.

Answer

When the I/O device needs constant CPU monitoring and control to ensure data integrity during transfer.

Answer

When the I/O device uses a different data format or protocol than the CPU, requiring a hardware interface for translation.

Question 38

Which of the following is a characteristic of a block-oriented I/O device?

Accepted Answer

Data is transferred in fixed-size blocks

Answer

Data is transferred in a continuous stream

Answer

Data is accessed directly from specific memory locations

Answer

Data is accessed only through the operating system

Question 39

What is the key difference between polled I/O and interrupt-driven I/O?

Accepted Answer

In polled I/O, the CPU actively checks for I/O device status, while in interrupt-driven I/O, the I/O device notifies the CPU when it is ready

Answer

In interrupt-driven I/O, the CPU actively checks for I/O device status, while in polled I/O, the I/O device notifies the CPU when it is ready

Answer

There is no significant difference between polled I/O and interrupt-driven I/O

Answer

Polled I/O is typically faster than interrupt-driven I/O

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a classification of an I/O device?

Accepted Answer

CPU

Answer

Input device

Answer

Output device

Answer

Storage device

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of an I/O controller?

Accepted Answer

To manage data exchange between I/O devices and the processor's memory

Answer

To provide a user interface for I/O operations

Answer

To store data before it is sent to or from I/O devices

Answer

To convert data from one format to another

Question 42

Which I/O technique involves transferring data one byte at a time in a controlled manner?

Accepted Answer

Programmed I/O

Answer

Interrupt-driven I/O

Answer

DMA (Direct Memory Access)

Answer

Memory-mapped I/O

Question 43

Which factor is irrelevant when selecting I/O devices for a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Physical appearance

Answer

Data transfer rate

Answer

Compatibility with the system

Answer

Cost

Question 44

Identify the device that is not an example of an Input/Output (I/O) device.

Accepted Answer

Monitor

Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Printer

Answer

Hard drive

Question 45

What is the primary function of an I/O controller?

Accepted Answer

To manage the flow of data between the I/O device and the CPU

Answer

To translate data between digital and analog signals

Answer

To store data temporarily before transferring it to the CPU

Answer

To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data

Question 46

What is the primary role of an I/O interrupt?

Accepted Answer

To notify the CPU when an I/O device requires attention

Answer

To allow the CPU to process multiple I/O requests concurrently

Answer

To provide temporary storage for data during I/O operations

Answer

To perform encryption and decryption of data

Question 47

Which type of device relies on a transducer to convert physical quantities into electrical signals?

Accepted Answer

Microphone

Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Printer

Answer

Graphics card

Question 48

What is the purpose of a polling loop in I/O operations?

Accepted Answer

To continuously check the status of an I/O device

Answer

To wait for an I/O device to complete an operation

Answer

To prioritize I/O requests based on their importance

Answer

To handle I/O interrupts efficiently

Question 49

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a network-attached storage (NAS) system?

Accepted Answer

Lower performance compared to a storage area network (SAN)

Answer

Centralized storage

Answer

Data redundancy

Answer

Scalability for growing storage requirements

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT an input/output (I/O) device?

Accepted Answer

Processor (CPU)

Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Monitor

Answer

Hard disk

Question 51

What is the primary function of the memory-mapped I/O technique?

Accepted Answer

It enables I/O devices to be treated as memory locations within the computer's address space

Answer

It uses a separate address space exclusively for I/O devices

Answer

It allows parallel data transfer between the CPU and I/O devices

Answer

It eliminates the need for interrupt handling within the operating system

Question 52

What is the primary purpose of an interrupt controller in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

To manage multiple interrupt requests and prioritize their handling

Answer

To decode interrupt signals and convert them into instructions for the CPU

Answer

To provide direct communication between the CPU and I/O devices

Answer

To store interrupt service routines that handle specific interrupt requests

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a type of bus commonly used for I/O operations?

Accepted Answer

Ethernet

Answer

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

Answer

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Answer

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

Question 54

What is the fundamental difference between synchronous and asynchronous I/O operations?

Accepted Answer

In synchronous I/O, data transfer is synchronized between the CPU and I/O device, while in asynchronous I/O, it is not

Answer

Asynchronous I/O is always faster than synchronous I/O

Answer

Synchronous I/O is used for high-speed data transfer, while asynchronous I/O is used for low-speed data transfer

Answer

Asynchronous I/O requires more CPU involvement than synchronous I/O

Question 55

In I/O virtualization, what is a key challenge in managing resources and balancing performance?

Accepted Answer

Increased latency due to the added abstraction layer

Accepted Answer

Reduced throughput due to shared physical resources

Answer

Enhanced performance due to centralized management

Answer

Elimination of hardware reliance

Question 56

In a real-time embedded system, how does an interrupt controller manage multiple interrupt requests that arrive simultaneously, considering that these requests may have different priorities?

Accepted Answer

Assigns a unique priority level to each interrupt source and responds based on these priorities.

Answer

Processes all requests in the order they are received (first-come, first-served).

Answer

Ignores low-priority interrupts until all high-priority interrupts are processed.

Answer

Uses a round-robin scheduling algorithm to handle interrupt requests.

Question 57

In the context of I/O systems for HPC environments, which factor is NOT a primary design consideration?

Accepted Answer

Simplicity

Answer

Scalability

Answer

Low latency

Answer

High bandwidth

Question 58

Which of the following is NOT a type of I/O device?

Accepted Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Answer

Printer

Question 59

What is the primary role of an input device?

Accepted Answer

Converting real-world signals into digital data

Answer

Controlling data flow within a system

Answer

Storing data for long-term usage

Answer

Presenting information to the user

Question 60

Which characteristic best describes polled I/O?

Accepted Answer

CPU continuously checks device status for data availability

Answer

I/O devices interrupt the CPU upon data availability

Answer

CPU initiates data transfer using specific I/O instructions

Question 61

What is a key advantage of employing memory-mapped I/O?

Accepted Answer

Treating I/O devices as regular memory locations for easier access

Answer

Providing higher data transfer rates

Answer

Reducing the complexity of I/O instructions

Question 62

What is the function of an Input/Output Processor (IOP) in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Offloading I/O tasks from the CPU to improve overall system performance

Answer

Providing a dedicated interface for connecting I/O devices

Answer

Managing memory allocation for I/O operations

Question 63

Which benefit is uniquely associated with the USB interface?

Accepted Answer

Plug-and-play functionality, enabling easy device connection and configuration

Answer

Low power consumption during operation

Answer

Exceptionally high data transfer speeds

Answer

Compatibility with a wide range of devices

Question 64

What is the purpose of a device driver in an I/O system?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating communication between the operating system and hardware devices

Answer

Managing data transfer among various devices

Answer

Handling interrupts generated by I/O devices