This set of Embedded Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Cache Memory”.
1. Which of the following is more quickly accessed?
a) RAM
b) Cache memory
c) DRAM
d) SRAM
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Explanation: The cache memory is a small random access memory which is faster than a normal RAM. It has a direct connection with the CPU otherwise, there will be a separate bus for accessing data. The processor will check whether the copy of the required data is present in the cache memory if so it will access the data from the cache memory.
2. Which factor determines the effectiveness of the cache?
a) hit rate
b) refresh cycle
c) refresh rate
d) refresh time
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Explanation: The proportion of accesses of data that forms the cache hit, which measures the effectiveness of the cache memory.
3. Which of the following determines a high hit rate of the cache memory?
a) size of the cache
b) number of caches
c) size of the RAM
d) cache access
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Explanation: The size of the cache increases, a large amount of data can be stored, which can access more data which in turn increases the hit rate of the cache memory.
4. Which of the following is a common cache?
a) DIMM
b) SIMM
c) TLB
d) Cache
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Explanation: The translation lookaside buffer is common cache memory seen in almost all CPUs and desktops which are a part of the memory management unit. It can improve the virtual address translation speed.
5. Which factor determines the number of cache entries?
a) set commutativity
b) set associativity
c) size of the cache
d) number of caches
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Explanation: The set associativity is a criterion which describes the number of cache entries which could possibly contain the required data.
6. What is the size of the cache for an 8086 processor?
a) 64 Kb
b) 128 Kb
c) 32 Kb
d) 16 Kb
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Explanation: The 8086 processor have a 64 Kbytes cache, beyond this size, the cost will be extremely high.
7. How many possibilities of mapping does a direct mapped cache have?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
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Explanation: The direct mapped cache only have one possibility to fetch data whereas a two-way system, there are two possibilities, for a three-way system, there are three possibilities and so on. It is also known as the one-way set associative cache.
8. Which of the following allows speculative execution?
a) 12-way set associative cache
b) 8-way set associative cache
c) direct mapped cache
d) 4-way set associative cache
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Explanation: The direct mapped cache has the advantage of allowing a simple and fast speculative execution.
9. Which of the following refers to the number of consecutive bytes which are associated with each cache entry?
a) cache size
b) associative set
c) cache line
d) cache word
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Explanation: The cache line refers to the number of consecutive bytes which are associated with each cache entry. The data is transferred between the memory and the cache in a particular size which is called a cache line.
10. Which factor determines the cache performance?
a) software
b) peripheral
c) input
d) output
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Explanation: The cache performance is completely dependent on the system and software. In software, the processor checks out each loop and if a duplicate is found in the cache memory, immediately it is accessed.
11. What are the basic elements required for cache operation?
a) memory array, multivibrator, counter
b) memory array, comparator, counter
c) memory array, trigger circuit, a comparator
d) memory array, comparator, CPU
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Explanation: The cache memory operation is based on the address tag, that is, the processor generates the address which is provided to the cache and this cache stores its data with an address tag. The tag is compared with the address, if they did not match, the next tag is checked. If they match, a cache hit occurs, the data is passed to the processor. So the basic elements required is a memory array, comparator, and a counter.
12. How many divisions are possible in the cache memory based on the tag or index address?
a) 3
b) 2
c) 4
d) 5
View Answer
Explanation: There is four classification based on the tag or index address corresponds to a virtual or physical address. They are PIPT, VIVT, PIVT, VIPT that is, physically indexed physically tagged, virtually indexed virtually tagged, physically indexed virtually tagged, virtually indexed physically tagged respectively.
13. What does DMA stand for?
a) direct memory access
b) direct main access
c) data main access
d) data memory address
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Explanation: The DMA is direct memory access which can modify the memory without the help of the processor. If any kind of memory access by DMA to be done, it will passes a request to the processor bus and the processor provides an acknowledgment and gives the control of the bus to the DMA.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Embedded System.
To practice all areas of Embedded System, here is complete set of 1000+ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.