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Module 1: Functional Block of computer and Data representaion

20192m

Which of the following holds data and processing instructions temporarily until the CPU needs it?

  • (i) ROM
  • (ii) Control unit
  • (iii) Main memory
  • (iv) Coprocessor chip
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Answer: (iii) Main memory

Explanation:
Main Memory (Primary Memory / RAM) holds both data and instructions temporarily while CPU processes them. CPU fetches instructions and operands from main memory into registers, executes, and writes results back. It is volatile, provides fast random access to the active program and data.

  • Why (iii) is correct: In von Neumann architecture, main memory is the working store - it contains the currently executing program, intermediate data, and results until needed. Its contents are directly addressable by CPU via MAR/MDR.

  • Why others are incorrect:

    • (i) ROM: Non-volatile, read-only, holds firmware/BIOS permanently, not temporary processing data/instructions.
    • (ii) Control Unit: Generates control signals and decodes instructions; does not store user data/instructions.
    • (iv) Coprocessor chip: Auxiliary processor (e.g., 8087 floating-point coprocessor) for specialized computation, not storage.

Hence the unit that temporarily buffers code and data for CPU is main memory (RAM).

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