GateAI
ALU Design

GATE CSE 2025 Set 1 · Q27

MSQ1 markEasy

Time

A partial data path of a processor is given in the figure, where RA, RB, and RZ are 32-bit registers. Which option(s) is/are CORRECT related to arithmetic operations using the data path as shown?

GATE CSE 2025 Set 1 Q27 diagram

Select all that applyOne or more correct

Pick every correct option

Solution

Step-by-step verified solution

Official answer: A) The data path can implement arithmetic operations involving two registers.; B) The data path can implement arithmetic operations involving one register and one immediate value.; C) The data path can implement arithmetic operations involving two immediate values.

ALU Design

From the given data path:

  • MuxAMux_A has two inputs: the 32-bit register RA\text{RA} and a 32-bit immediate value, controlled by the signal Select RA/immediate.

  • MuxBMux_B has two inputs: the 32-bit register RB\text{RB} and a 32-bit immediate value, controlled by the signal Select RB/immediate.

  • Both inputs to the ALU are fed from the outputs of MuxAMux_A and MuxBMux_B respectively, and the result is stored in the 32-bit register RZ\text{RZ}.

Since both multiplexers can be controlled independently:

  1. Two registers: Selecting RA\text{RA} through Mux_A and RB\text{RB} through Mux_B feeds both registers into the ALU, allowing arithmetic operations involving two registers. Hence, (A) is correct.

  2. One register and one immediate value: Selecting RA\text{RA} and the immediate value (or RB\text{RB} and the immediate value) allows arithmetic operations involving one register and one immediate value. Hence, (B) is correct.

  3. Two immediate values: Selecting the immediate value from both Mux_A and Mux_B allows arithmetic operations involving two immediate values. Hence, (C) is correct.

  4. (D) is incorrect because the datapath is not restricted to *only* one register and one immediate value.

Thus, the correct options are A, B, and C.

Try the question first, then check your work.

Think the official key or this write-up is wrong?

Report error or challenge

Examiner trap

The misconception this question tests

This ALU Design previous year question is Q27 of the GATE CSE 2025 Set 1 paper. Find more GATE CSE PYQs on ALU Design in Computer Organization and Architecture, or browse all GATE CSE PYQs.

Free diagnostic

Where do you stand for GATE?

Take the 20-minute diagnostic: the 3 topics that cost you the most marks, and a rank range. Or sit 4 related ALU Design PYQs now with no account.

One GATE CSE PYQ every morning

An official question by email at 7 AM IST, with a link to its verified solution. Unsubscribe in one click.

ALU Design in GATE CSE

ALU Design has 4 GATE CSE PYQs across 4 papers from 2016 to 2025. This is the only 1-mark MSQ among them, and it is the only one in GATE CSE 2025 Set 1.

How GATE tests ALU Design

More from GATE CSE 2025 Set 1

Share this solution

A plain-text card for WhatsApp or Telegram study groups.

GateAI solution cardGATE CSE 2025 Set 1 · Q27 · MSQ

A partial data path of a processor is given in the figure, where RA, RB, and RZ are 32-bit registers. Which option(s) is/are CORRECT related to arithmetic operations using the data path as shown?

Topic-wise GATE CS PYQs with verified steps

Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.