When computers are classified by their role within a larger device, which…

2022

When computers are classified by their role within a larger device, which class commonly uses microcontrollers whose program instructions and runtime data reside in separate memory systems?

Answer: D. Embedded computersConceptComputer systems can organize instructions and data in two broad ways. A von Neumann organization uses a shared memory path, whereas a Harvard…

  1. A.

    Stored-program computers

  2. B.

    RISC computers

  3. C.

    CISC computers

  4. D.

    Embedded computers

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Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Concept

Computer systems can organize instructions and data in two broad ways. A von Neumann organization uses a shared memory path, whereas a Harvard organization uses separate instruction and data memories or buses.

RISC and CISC classify instruction-set design; stored-program describes how executable instructions are retained. An application-oriented class instead groups computers by the purpose and setting in which they are used.

Application

  1. The stem fixes the classification axis as the computers role within a larger device, then asks which role-based class commonly uses separate program and data memory systems.

  2. Microchip documents that most 8-bit AVR microcontrollers use a Harvard architecture, with separate memories and buses for program instructions and data. Such microcontrollers are widely used as embedded computers inside dedicated devices.

  3. Among the offered values, Embedded computers names the application-oriented class, so the answer is Embedded computers.

Contrast

  • Stored-program computers are defined by retaining executable instructions in machine-accessible memory; the label is broader than a use or deployment class.

  • RISC computers are classified by a relatively small and simple instruction set; a RISC processor may use different memory organizations and may also be embedded.

  • CISC computers are classified by comparatively complex instructions and addressing modes; this is also an instruction-set category rather than a use or deployment class.

Cross-check

The role-based qualifier removes the classification-axis ambiguity: a processor can be both RISC and embedded, but only Embedded computers is the offered class based on its role inside a larger device. The AVR example independently confirms that separate program and data memories are common in that class.

Result

Therefore, the answer is Embedded computers.

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