Processor fundamentals — AS & A Level Computer Science (9618) questions by topic
Identifying components of the Von Neumann model beyond registers and buses, describing SISD and MIMD architectures, and explaining how the control unit and system clock work together are recurring demands here, across 27 real questions from 2023 to 2025 papers worth 3 to 16 marks.
Describe, identify, explain, complete and state are the top command words, and describe often means giving a defined characteristic of an architecture rather than just naming it. Because these questions test precise technical vocabulary, drafting an answer and checking it against instant marking is a quick way to confirm whether a described feature, such as a control-bus signal type, is specific enough to earn credit.
May–June 2025, Paper 11
The following table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has two registers: the Accumulator (ACC) and an Index Register (IX). Opcode Operand…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 12
The table has six statements about the Von Neumann model for a computer system. Three of the statements are incorrect. Statement number Statement --- --- 1 The Program Counter…
Answer this question and get it marked →The following table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has one register: the Accumulator (ACC). Opcode Operand Explanation --- --- --- LDD <address…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 13
A computer has a processor. The processor has a Control Unit (CU) and system clock. Explain how the CU and the system clock work together.
Answer this question and get it marked →The following table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has two registers: the Accumulator (ACC) and an Index Register (IX). Opcode Operand…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 12
The current contents of memory are shown: Address Data --- --- 10 1 11 3 12 5 13 11 14 10 15 16 16 12 The current contents of the ACC and IX are shown: ACC = 10, IX = 0 Complete…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 13
The following table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has two registers: the Accumulator (ACC) and an Index Register (IX). Opcode Operand…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 31
Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC) and Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC) are two types of processor. State two features of RISC processors.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 33
State two features of RISC processors.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 11
A computer system has a dual-core Central Processing Unit (CPU). State the purpose of the system clock and the Control Unit (CU) in a CPU.
Answer this question and get it marked →A computer designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system contains general purpose registers and special purpose registers. Describe the purpose of the Status Register…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 12
A student has a computer. The computer is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system. Complete the table by describing the purpose of each of the given registers.…
Answer this question and get it marked →The current contents of memory are shown: Address Data --- --- 19 25 20 23 21 2 22 4 23 15 24 50 25 22 The current contents of the ACC and IX are shown: ACC = 50, IX = 20.…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 13
The current contents of memory are shown: Address Data --- --- 50 54 51 55 52 50 53 52 54 100 55 25 56 50 The current contents of the ACC and IX are shown: ACC = 50, IX = 45.…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 31
Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC) is a type of processor. Identify four features of a RISC processor.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 32
Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) is a type of processor. Identify four features of a CISC processor. 1 ............ 2 ............ 3 ............ 4 ............
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 33
Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC) is a type of processor. Identify four features of a RISC processor.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 11
An interrupt is generated when a key is pressed on a computer keyboard. Explain how the computer handles this interrupt.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 12
The laptop is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system. Identify two types of signal that a control bus can transfer.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 32
Describe the use of pipelining in Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC).
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 33
Outline the characteristics of massively parallel computers.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 11
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the basic Von Neumann model for a computer system contains several special purpose registers. The Memory Data Register (MDR), Index Register…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 12
The instructions in the processor's instruction set can be grouped according to their function. Identify the instruction group for each of the following opcodes. IN…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 13
A computer system is designed using the basic Von Neumann model. Registers and buses are components in the Von Neumann model. Identify three other components in the Von Neumann…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 31
Describe the features of SISD and MIMD computer architectures.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 32
Describe the features of the SIMD and MISD computer architectures. SIMD ............ MISD ............
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 33
Describe the features of SISD and MIMD computer architectures.
Answer this question and get it marked →Other AS & A Level Computer Science topics
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