Second Semester · BCA 152
Microprocessor and Computer Architecture Notes
A dedicated BCA World study page for this subject, aligned to the TU BCA 2025 curriculum units.
How to study this subject
For each unit, learn the definition, understand the process, practise one example, and finish by explaining the concept in your own words. Use the model questions after completing the unit notes.
Unit-by-unit notes
01
Microprocessor architecture, instruction cycle, and buses
Revise the definition, components, workflow, common examples, and practical use of microprocessor architecture, instruction cycle, and buses. Relate it to a small problem or case study from Microprocessor and Computer Architecture.
- Define the key terms and identify the main components.
- Draw or describe the workflow, architecture, formula, or process where relevant.
- Connect the idea to a practical BCA example and revise common advantages or limitations.
02
8086 organization, registers, addressing modes, and instruction set
Revise the definition, components, workflow, common examples, and practical use of 8086 organization, registers, addressing modes, and instruction set. Relate it to a small problem or case study from Microprocessor and Computer Architecture.
- Define the key terms and identify the main components.
- Draw or describe the workflow, architecture, formula, or process where relevant.
- Connect the idea to a practical BCA example and revise common advantages or limitations.
03
Assembly language programming and procedure calls
Revise the definition, components, workflow, common examples, and practical use of assembly language programming and procedure calls. Relate it to a small problem or case study from Microprocessor and Computer Architecture.
- Define the key terms and identify the main components.
- Draw or describe the workflow, architecture, formula, or process where relevant.
- Connect the idea to a practical BCA example and revise common advantages or limitations.
04
Memory organization, I/O interfacing, interrupts, and DMA
Revise the definition, components, workflow, common examples, and practical use of memory organization, i/o interfacing, interrupts, and dma. Relate it to a small problem or case study from Microprocessor and Computer Architecture.
- Define the key terms and identify the main components.
- Draw or describe the workflow, architecture, formula, or process where relevant.
- Connect the idea to a practical BCA example and revise common advantages or limitations.
05
Modern processor features, pipelining, cache, and performance
Revise the definition, components, workflow, common examples, and practical use of modern processor features, pipelining, cache, and performance. Relate it to a small problem or case study from Microprocessor and Computer Architecture.
- Define the key terms and identify the main components.
- Draw or describe the workflow, architecture, formula, or process where relevant.
- Connect the idea to a practical BCA example and revise common advantages or limitations.
Model questions for BCA 152
Short answerDefine microprocessor architecture, instruction cycle, and buses and mention two important uses.
Define microprocessor architecture, instruction cycle, and buses and mention two important uses. Answer using a definition, structured explanation, relevant example, and conclusion.
Long answerExplain 8086 organization, registers, addressing modes, and instruction set with a suitable diagram, example, or step-by-step method.
Explain 8086 organization, registers, addressing modes, and instruction set with a suitable diagram, example, or step-by-step method. Answer using a definition, structured explanation, relevant example, and conclusion.
Practical / applicationApply assembly language programming and procedure calls to solve a small Microprocessor and Computer Architecture problem. State your assumptions and conclusion.
Apply assembly language programming and procedure calls to solve a small Microprocessor and Computer Architecture problem. State your assumptions and conclusion. Answer using a definition, structured explanation, relevant example, and conclusion.