WGU C952 Computer Architecture Chapter 5 Terms
Comprehensive Final Review 2026 | High-Yield Study
Guide
1. Describe the role of control signals in the operation of a processor.
Control signals are responsible for memory allocation in the
processor.
Control signals execute instructions directly in the processor.
Control signals are used solely for input/output operations.
Control signals manage the selection of data paths and operations
within the processor's functional units.
2. What is the primary role of the control unit in a processor?
To execute machine language instructions
To perform arithmetic operations
To sequence the operations of the processor
To store data temporarily
3. Describe the process of sign-extension and its significance in data
representation.
Sign-extension refers to the method of changing the base of a
number.
Sign-extension is the process of converting a signed number into an
unsigned number.
Sign-extension is used to compress data for efficient storage.
Sign-extension involves increasing the size of a data item by
copying the sign bit to fill the higher-order bits, ensuring the value
, remains the same.
4. In a digital circuit, if a control signal is deasserted during a clock cycle, what
is the likely impact on the operation of the circuit?
The circuit will enter a standby mode.
The circuit will not perform the operation associated with that
control signal.
The circuit will execute the operation immediately.
The circuit will increase its processing speed.
5. Which of the following operations is used to perform sign extension to a
binary number?
Padding 0's to the front of the number
Padding 1's to the front of the number
Padding MSB to the front of the number
Padding LSB to the end of the number
6. Describe the role of a datapath element in the context of a processor's
operation.
A datapath element is crucial for processing data and facilitating
operations within the processor.
A datapath element is responsible for managing memory allocation.
A datapath element controls the flow of data between different
processors.
A datapath element is used solely for storing instructions.
7. What is a truth table?
A table of logic symbols that indicates the low logic states of an op-
amp.
, A diagram showing logic states when the digital device's output is true.
A list of input combinations and their corresponding outputs that
characterizes a digital device's function.
A table of logic symbols that indicate the high logic states of an op-
amp.
8. If the program counter (PC) is incremented incorrectly during instruction
execution, what impact would this have on the operation of a computer
system?
The CPU will skip the next instruction and continue normally.
The CPU may execute the wrong instructions, leading to incorrect
program behavior.
The CPU will halt and display an error message.
The CPU will execute the same instruction repeatedly.
9. Describe the significance of a truth table in the context of logical operations.
A truth table simplifies complex algorithms into basic operations.
A truth table is primarily used for memory management in computer
architecture.
A truth table is significant because it provides a clear and systematic
way to visualize how different input combinations affect the output
of a logical operation.
A truth table is used to determine the efficiency of a computer
program.
10. The opcode portion of an instruction is which of the following?
A binary prefix
The assembled hexadecimal values
Comprehensive Final Review 2026 | High-Yield Study
Guide
1. Describe the role of control signals in the operation of a processor.
Control signals are responsible for memory allocation in the
processor.
Control signals execute instructions directly in the processor.
Control signals are used solely for input/output operations.
Control signals manage the selection of data paths and operations
within the processor's functional units.
2. What is the primary role of the control unit in a processor?
To execute machine language instructions
To perform arithmetic operations
To sequence the operations of the processor
To store data temporarily
3. Describe the process of sign-extension and its significance in data
representation.
Sign-extension refers to the method of changing the base of a
number.
Sign-extension is the process of converting a signed number into an
unsigned number.
Sign-extension is used to compress data for efficient storage.
Sign-extension involves increasing the size of a data item by
copying the sign bit to fill the higher-order bits, ensuring the value
, remains the same.
4. In a digital circuit, if a control signal is deasserted during a clock cycle, what
is the likely impact on the operation of the circuit?
The circuit will enter a standby mode.
The circuit will not perform the operation associated with that
control signal.
The circuit will execute the operation immediately.
The circuit will increase its processing speed.
5. Which of the following operations is used to perform sign extension to a
binary number?
Padding 0's to the front of the number
Padding 1's to the front of the number
Padding MSB to the front of the number
Padding LSB to the end of the number
6. Describe the role of a datapath element in the context of a processor's
operation.
A datapath element is crucial for processing data and facilitating
operations within the processor.
A datapath element is responsible for managing memory allocation.
A datapath element controls the flow of data between different
processors.
A datapath element is used solely for storing instructions.
7. What is a truth table?
A table of logic symbols that indicates the low logic states of an op-
amp.
, A diagram showing logic states when the digital device's output is true.
A list of input combinations and their corresponding outputs that
characterizes a digital device's function.
A table of logic symbols that indicate the high logic states of an op-
amp.
8. If the program counter (PC) is incremented incorrectly during instruction
execution, what impact would this have on the operation of a computer
system?
The CPU will skip the next instruction and continue normally.
The CPU may execute the wrong instructions, leading to incorrect
program behavior.
The CPU will halt and display an error message.
The CPU will execute the same instruction repeatedly.
9. Describe the significance of a truth table in the context of logical operations.
A truth table simplifies complex algorithms into basic operations.
A truth table is primarily used for memory management in computer
architecture.
A truth table is significant because it provides a clear and systematic
way to visualize how different input combinations affect the output
of a logical operation.
A truth table is used to determine the efficiency of a computer
program.
10. The opcode portion of an instruction is which of the following?
A binary prefix
The assembled hexadecimal values
