A processor can support a maximum memory of 4 GB, where the memory is…
2016
A processor can support a maximum memory of 4 GB, where the memory is word-addressable (a word consists of two bytes). The size of the address bus of the processor is at least __________ bits.
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Correct answer: 31
Answer: 31 bits.
Explanation:
Total memory = 4 GB = 4 × 2^30 bytes = 2^32 bytes.
Word size = 2 bytes, so number of addressable words = 2^32 bytes ÷ 2 bytes = 2^31 words.
Each word needs a unique address, so the address bus must distinguish 2^31 locations, which requires log2(2^31) = 31 bits.
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