Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

101.

How can we calculate the length of the refresh cycle?(a) twice of normal access(b) thrice of normal access(c) five times of normal access(d) six times of normal accessThe question was asked during an online interview.This interesting question is from DRAM Refreshing Techniques topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) twice of NORMAL access

For EXPLANATION: Each of the refresh cycles is approximately as twice as the length of the normal access, for example, a 70ns DRAM has a refresh CYCLE TIME of 130ns.

102.

What is the required voltage of DIMM?(a) 2V(b) 2.2V(c) 5V(d) 3.3VThe question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My question is from Memory Management topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct option is (d) 3.3V

To explain I would SAY: For INCREASING the speed and reducing the power consumption, it is necessary to reduce the power supply. Today’s CPUs and memories have 3.3V supply or even lower instead of the signal level from 0 to 5V. DIMMS are described by its VOLTAGE, speed, and MEMORY type respectively as 3.3V 133MHz SDRAM DIMM.

103.

Which storage element is used by MAC and IBM PC?(a) CMOS(b) Transistor(c) Capacitor(d) InductorI have been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.My question is from SRAM topic in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right answer is (a) CMOS

For explanation: CMOS is complementary METAL OXIDE semiconductor which is used by MAC and IBM PC as storage element because it contains configuration data of SRAM and is battery back-up to ensure that it is powered up when the computer is SWITCHED off.

104.

Which of the following is used by the M68000 family?(a) M68000(b) 80386(c) 8086(d) 80286The question was asked during an online interview.I want to ask this question from Memory Management in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) M68000

For EXPLANATION I WOULD say: The M68000 uses MEMORY partitioning by the use of function code or by the COMBINATION of superscalar signals and the Harvard architecture.

105.

Which of the following processors uses big endian representation?(a) 8086(b) ARM(c) PowerPC(d) Zilog Z80The question was posed to me during an interview.My doubt is from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer» RIGHT choice is (c) PowerPC

The BEST I can explain: The IBM’s PowerPC uses big ENDIAN representation WHEREAS 8086, ARM and ZILOG Z80 use little representation.
106.

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 wordThe question was posed to me during an online exam.Question is taken from Cache Memory in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (C) cache LINE

To elaborate: 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.

107.

Where is memory address stored in a C program?(a) stack(b) pointer(c) register(d) accumulatorThis question was posed to me during an interview for a job.This intriguing question originated from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems topic in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (B) POINTER

The explanation is: Memory model is defined by a range of memory ADDRESS which is accessible to the program. For example, in the C program, the memory address is stored in the pointer.

108.

What is RDRAM?(a) refresh DRAM(b) recycle DRAM(c) Rambus DRAM(d) refreshing DRAMI got this question in an interview for job.I'm obligated to ask this question of DRAM Interfaces in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (c) Rambus DRAM

For explanation I would say: Rambus DRAM is a synchronous MEMORY developed by Rambus. It can replace SDRAM and is USEFUL in high bandwidth APPLICATIONS.

109.

What does VRAM stand for?(a) video RAM(b) verilog RAM(c) virtual RAM(d) volatile RAMThis question was posed to me in semester exam.My question is taken from DRAM topic in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right choice is (a) video RAM

The best EXPLANATION: Video RAM is a derivative of DRAM. It FUNCTIONS as a DRAM and has additional functions to access data for video HARDWARE for creating the DISPLAY.

110.

Which of the following is an SRAM?(a) 1T-RAM(b) PROM(c) EEPROM(d) EPROMThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.Question is from SRAM in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (a) 1T-RAM

To elaborate: 1T-RAM is a pseudo-static RAM which is developed by MoSyS, INC. PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM are non-volatile memories.

111.

How many MOSFETs are required for SRAM?(a) 2(b) 4(c) 6(d) 8I got this question in an interview.My doubt is from SRAM in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct choice is (C) 6

For explanation: Six MOSFETs are required for a typical SRAM. Each bit of SRAM is stored in four TRANSISTORS which form TWO cross-coupled inverters.

112.

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, CPUI have been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.I'm obligated to ask this question of Cache Memory in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) memory array, comparator, counter

To explain: 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.

113.

Which refresh technique is useful for low power consumption?(a) Software refresh(b) CBR(c) RAS(d) Burst refreshThe question was asked in unit test.My doubt stems from DRAM Refreshing Techniques topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) CBR

The explanation is: CBR that is, CAS before RAS refresh is the ONE which is commonly used. It has low power consumption quality because it does not have ADDRESS bus and the buffers can be switched off. It is worked by using an internal address counter which is STORED on the memory chip itself and this can be INCREMENTED periodically.

114.

Which memory storage is widely used in PCs and Embedded Systems?(a) SRAM(b) DRAM(c) Flash memory(d) EEPROMThe question was posed to me during an internship interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of DRAM topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct answer is (B) DRAM

Best EXPLANATION: DRAM is used in PCs and Embedded systems because of its low COST. SRAM, FLASH memory and EEPROM are more COSTLY than DRAM.

115.

What is the main purpose of the memory management unit?(a) address translation(b) large storage(c) reduce the size(d) provides address spaceThe question was asked in an interview for internship.My question is from Memory Management topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right choice is (a) address translation

Explanation: The MEMORY MANAGEMENT UNIT handles with PHYSICAL ADDRESSES. Therefore, the virtual or the logical address is first translated to the physical address.

116.

What does TCR stand for?(a) temperature-compensated refresh(b) temperature-compensated recovery(c) texas CAS-RAS(d) temperature CAS-RASThe question was posed to me in my homework.Question is from DRAM topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) temperature-compensated refresh

Best explanation: The temperature-compensated refresh is one of the REFRESHING TECHNIQUES used for extending the battery life by REDUCING the refresh RATE.
117.

Which is a subassembly package?(a) dual-in-line(b) zig-zag(c) simm(d) ceramic shellI have been asked this question at a job interview.I want to ask this question from Memory Management in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (c) simm

To EXPLAIN I would say: The SIMM is basically a subassembly, not a package. It is a SMALL board which possesses finger connection on the bottom and SUFFICIENT MEMORY on the board in order to MAKE up the required configuration.

118.

Who has invented flash memory?(a) Dr.Fujio Masuoka(b) John Ellis(c) Josh Fisher(d) John RuttenbergThe question was asked in quiz.The above asked question is from Memory Technology of Embedded Systems in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right OPTION is (a) Dr.Fujio Masuoka

The best I can EXPLAIN: FLASH memory is invented by Dr. Fujio Masuoka at Toshiba in the 1980s which are non-volatile memory.

119.

Which technology is standardized in DRAM for determining the maximum time interval between the refresh cycle?(a) IEEE(b) RAPID(c) JEDEC(d) UNESCOThis question was addressed to me in an international level competition.The origin of the question is DRAM Refreshing Techniques topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (c) JEDEC

To ELABORATE: The maximum TIME interval between refresh cycle is standardized by JEDEC, Joint Electron Device Engineering Council which is an independent semiconductor engineering trade organization. This standardized JEDEC in DRAM is specified in the MANUFACTURER’s chip specification.

120.

How many possibilities of mapping does a direct mapped cache have?(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4This question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Question is from Cache Memory topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) 1

The explanation is: 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.
121.

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 accessThis question was addressed to me during an interview.Question is taken from Cache Memory topic in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) size of the cache

To explain: 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.

122.

Which factor determines the effectiveness of the cache?(a) hit rate(b) refresh cycle(c) refresh rate(d) refresh timeThis question was posed to me during an interview for a job.My question is based upon Cache Memory in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (a) hit rate

Explanation: The PROPORTION of accesses of DATA that forms the cache hit, which MEASURES the effectiveness of the cache memory.

123.

Which of the memory organisation is widely used in parity bit?(a) by 1 organisation(b) by 4 organisation(c) by 8 organisation(d) by 9 organisationThis question was addressed to me during an online interview.My query is from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) by 1 organisation

Best explanation: The use of By 1 organisation is declined because of the WIDER data path devices. But it is still USED in parity bit and were used in SIMM memory.

124.

Which are the two main types of processor connection to the motherboard?(a) sockets and slots(b) sockets and pins(c) slots and pins(d) pins and portsThis question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.Enquiry is from Memory Technology of Embedded Systems in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) sockets and slots

For explanation I WOULD say: The type of PROCESSOR which connects to a socket on the BOTTOM SURFACE of the chip that connects to the motherboard by Zero Insertion Force Socket. Intel 486 is an EXAMPLE of this type of connection. The processor slot is one which is soldered into a card, which connects to a motherboard by a slot. Example for slot connection is Pentium 3.

125.

What is the maximum time that the RAS signal can be asserted in the page mode operation?(a) 5 microseconds(b) 10 microseconds(c) 15 microseconds(d) 20 microsecondsThe question was asked in homework.The query is from DRAM Interfaces topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct answer is (B) 10 microseconds

The best EXPLANATION: The maximum time that the RAS SIGNAL can be asserted during the page mode operation is about 10 microseconds. But this is a major disadvantage for page mode operation, that is, the standard PCs have a maximum time of 15 microseconds for the refresh cycle.

126.

Which mode of operation selects an internal page of memory in the DRAM interfacing?(a) page interleaving(b) page mode(c) burst mode(d) EDO RAMThis question was addressed to me in an international level competition.My question is from DRAM Interfaces topic in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right choice is (b) page mode

The explanation: In the page mode operation, the row address is provided as NORMAL but the RAS signal is left asserted. This, in turn, selects an internal page WITHIN the DRAM memory where any bit of data can be accessed by placing the column address and ASSERTING CAS.

127.

How many data lines does 256*4 have?(a) 256(b) 8(c) 4(d) 32This question was posed to me during an online interview.My doubt stems from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (c) 4

Explanation: There are four data LINES in the memory and these DIFFERENT organisations of memory and these different organisations of memory are APPARENT when upgrading memory and it ALSO determines how MANY chips are needed.

128.

What can be done for the fine grain protection of the processor?(a) add extra description bit(b) add error signal(c) add wait stage(d) remains unchangedThe question was asked in class test.This intriguing question originated from Memory Management in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right answer is (a) add EXTRA description bit

Explanation: The finer grain protection of memory MANAGEMENT is ACHIEVED by the ADDITION of extra description bit to an address to DECLARE its status. The memory management unit can detect an error if the task attempts to access memory that has not been allocated to it or a certain kind of mismatch occurs.

129.

What is EDO RAM?(a) extreme data operation(b) extended direct operation(c) extended data out(d) extended DRAM outThe question was asked in an online quiz.My question is taken from DRAM Interfaces in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) EXTENDED data out

The explanation is: EDO RAM is a special kind of RANDOM access MEMORY which can improve the time to read from the memory on faster MICROPROCESSORS. The example of such a MICROPROCESSOR is Intel Pentium.

130.

Which shifting helps in finding the physical address in 8086?(a) shifting the segment by 8(b) shifting the segment by 6(c) shifting the segment by 4(d) shifting the segment by 2The question was posed to me during an interview.This interesting question is from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (c) shifting the SEGMENT by 4

Easy explanation: The ADDRESS BUS of the 8086 is 20-bit and the data bus is 16-bit in size. So the physical address can be calculated by shifting the segment register by 4 to left and by adding the address bus to it.

131.

What is approximate data access time of SRAM?(a) 4ns(b) 10ns(c) 2ns(d) 60nsI got this question during an interview.My enquiry is from SRAM in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) 4ns

Easy EXPLANATION: SRAM access data in APPROXIMATELY 4ns because of its flip-flop arrangement of TRANSISTORS whereas the data access time in DRAM is approximately 60ns since it has a single capacitor for one-bit storage.

132.

Which is the storage element in DRAM?(a) inductor(b) capacitor(c) resistor(d) mosfetThe question was posed to me in quiz.Question is from DRAM in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right choice is (b) CAPACITOR

The EXPLANATION: DRAM uses a small capacitor whose voltage represents a binary zero which is used as a storage element in DRAM in which a SINGLE transistor cell is used to STORE each bit of DATA.

133.

Which is the early form of non-volatile memory?(a) magnetic core memory(b) ferrimagnetic memory(c) anti-magnetic memory(d) anti-ferromagneticI have been asked this question during an interview for a job.Question is from Memory Technology of Embedded Systems topic in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) magnetic core memory

Easy explanation: The early FORM of non-volatile memory is KNOWN as magnetic core memory in which the FERROMAGNETIC RING was magnetised to STORE data.

134.

What is the main disadvantage in the software refresh of the DRAM?(a) timer(b) delay(c) programming delay(d) debuggingI had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.I'm obligated to ask this question of DRAM Refreshing Techniques topic in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) DEBUGGING

Easiest explanation: Debugging in software refresh is very difficult to perform because they MAY STOP the REFRESHING and if the refreshing is stopped, the contents get lost.

135.

Which refreshing techniques generate a recycled address?(a) RAS(b) CBR(c) Distributed refresh(d) Software refreshThis question was addressed to me at a job interview.The question is from DRAM Refreshing Techniques topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right choice is (a) RAS

The explanation: The row ADDRESS is PLACED on the address BUS and the column address is held off which generates the recycle address. The address generation is DONE by an external hardware CONTROLLER.

136.

Which of the following provides stability to the multitasking system?(a) memory(b) DRAM(c) SRAM(d) Memory partitioningI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My query is from Memory Management topic in portion Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (d) Memory PARTITIONING

Explanation: The memory partitioning provides stability to the MULTITASKING system so that the errors WITHIN one TASK will not corrupt the other tasks.

137.

What does SIMM stand for?(a) single in-line memory module(b) single interrupt memory module(c) single information memory module(d) same-in-line memory moduleI got this question during an online exam.My question comes from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) single in-line memory module

To explain I would say: SIMM is single in-line memory module is a kind of memory module, which contains random ACCESS memory used in computers of the early 1980S and 1990S.

138.

Which of the following is serial access memory?(a) RAM(b) Flash memory(c) Shifters(d) ROMThe question was asked in an interview.The question is from Memory Technology of Embedded Systems topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct option is (c) Shifters

The best I can explain: The MEMORY ARRAYS are basically divided into THREE which are RANDOM access memory, serial access memory, and content address memory. Serial access memory is divided into two, theses are shifters and queues.

139.

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 cacheThis question was addressed to me in unit test.My doubt stems from Cache Memory in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right choice is (c) direct mapped cache

The EXPLANATION is: The direct mapped cache has the advantage of allowing a simple and FAST SPECULATIVE EXECUTION.

140.

Which factor determines the number of cache entries?(a) set commutativity(b) set associativity(c) size of the cache(d) number of cachesThis question was posed to me during an interview.I need to ask this question from Cache Memory topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) set associativity

For explanation: The set associativity is a CRITERION which DESCRIBES the number of cache entries which could POSSIBLY contain the REQUIRED DATA.

141.

Which of the following has a fast page mode RAM?(a) burst mode(b) page interleaving(c) EDO memory(d) page modeThis question was posed to me in a job interview.This interesting question is from DRAM Interfaces topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer» CORRECT answer is (c) EDO memory

The explanation is: Extended data out memory is a FAST page mode RAM which has a faster CYCLING process which MAKES EDO memory a faster page mode access.
142.

Which interfacing method lowers the speed of the processor?(a) basic DRAM interface(b) page mode interface(c) page interleaving(d) burst mode interfaceThe question was posed to me during an online exam.The above asked question is from DRAM Interfaces topic in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (a) basic DRAM interface

The explanation is: The direct method access limits the wait state-free operation which lowers the processor speed.
143.

Which is the commonly used refresh rate?(a) 125 microseconds(b) 120 microseconds(c) 130 microseconds(d) 135 microsecondsThis question was posed to me in unit test.My question comes from DRAM Refreshing Techniques topic in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer» RIGHT answer is (a) 125 microseconds

The EXPLANATION: There are TWO refresh rates USED in common. They are standard refresh rate of 15.6 microseconds and 125 microseconds which the extended form.
144.

Which configuration of memory organisation replaces By 1 organisation?(a) by 4 organisation(b) by 8 organisation(c) by 9 organisation(d) by 16 organisationI had been asked this question in final exam.My query is from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems topic in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (a) by 4 organisation

Explanation: By 1 organisation is replaced with By 4 organisation because of its REDUCED address BUS and complexity.

145.

Which memory organisation is supported in wider memories?(a) by 8 organisation(b) by 16 organisation(c) by 9 organisation(d) by 4 organisationI got this question in a national level competition.My doubt stems from Memory Organisation of Embedded Systems in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right choice is (b) by 16 organisation

Easy explanation: The wider memories support 16-bits because it can integrate more NUMBER of the interface LOGIC so that the time consumed by the latches and buffers removes the memory access thus ALLOWING the SLOWER parts to be used in wait state free designs.

146.

What is the size of the cache for an 8086 processor?(a) 64 Kb(b) 128 Kb(c) 32 Kb(d) 16 KbThe question was posed to me in an interview for internship.My enquiry is from Cache Memory topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) 64 Kb

For explanation I WOULD say: The 8086 processor have a 64 Kbytes cache, BEYOND this size, the cost will be extremely high.

147.

Which of the following cycle is larger than the access time?(a) write cycle(b) set up time(c) read cycle(d) hold timeThe question was asked in unit test.Origin of the question is DRAM Interfaces in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right answer is (c) READ cycle

For EXPLANATION I WOULD say: The read cycle in the DRAM INTERFACING is larger than the ACCESS time because of the precharge time.

148.

What is the duration for memory refresh to remain compatible?(a) 20 microseconds(b) 12 microseconds(c) 15 microseconds(d) 10 microsecondsI had been asked this question in an online quiz.This interesting question is from DRAM Interfaces in chapter Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

Right answer is (C) 15 MICROSECONDS

To explain I would say: The memory refresh is performed every 15 microseconds in order to remain COMPATIBLE.

149.

How many numbers of ways are possible for allocating the memory to the modular blocks?(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4The question was posed to me during an online exam.I want to ask this question from Memory Management topic in division Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer» CORRECT answer is (c) 3

To elaborate: Most of the systems have a multitasking operating system in which the software consists of modular BLOCKS of codes which RUN under the control of the operating system. There are three ways for ALLOCATING memory to these blocks. The first way distributes the block in a predefined way. The second way for allocating memory includes relocation or position independency in the software and the other way of allocating memory to the block is the address TRANSLATION in which the logical address is translated to the physical address.
150.

Which is the very basic technique of refreshing DRAM?(a) refresh cycle(b) burst refresh(c) distributive refresh(d) software refreshThis question was posed to me in my homework.This question is from DRAM Refreshing Techniques topic in section Memory Systems of Embedded Systems

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) refresh cycle

Explanation: The DRAM needs to be periodically refreshed and the very BASIC technique is a special refresh cycle, during these CYCLES no other access is permitted. The whole chip is refreshed WITHIN a particular time period otherwise, the data will be lost.