The interface(s) that provide(s) I/O transfer of data directly to and from the…
2023
The interface(s) that provide(s) I/O transfer of data directly to and from the memory unit peripheral is / are termed as :
(A) DMA (Direct Memory Access)
(B) IOP (Input-Output Processor)
(C) Serial Interface
(D) Parallel Interface
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- A.
(A) Only
- B.
(B) Only
- C.
(A) and (B) Only
- D.
(C) and (D) Only
Attempted by 666 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Answer: DMA (Direct Memory Access) and Input-Output Processor (IOP).
Direct Memory Access (DMA): A DMA controller transfers blocks of data directly between a peripheral and main memory without the CPU copying each word. This reduces CPU overhead and improves throughput for large data transfers.
Input-Output Processor (IOP): An IOP is a dedicated processor that handles I/O operations and can move data directly to or from main memory, offloading the CPU. It provides more autonomous control over complex I/O than simple controllers.
Serial and parallel interfaces: These describe how data is transmitted over a link (serially or in parallel). They are physical/logic interface types and do not by themselves guarantee direct transfers into main memory; a DMA controller or IOP is still required to perform memory-to-device transfers without per-word CPU involvement.
Key idea: Any mechanism that moves data between a device and main memory without the CPU moving each data unit qualifies as providing direct memory I/O; DMA controllers and I/O processors are such mechanisms.