A processor is fetching instructions at the rate of 1 MIPS. A DMA module is used to transfer characters to RAM from a device transmitting at 9600 bps. How much time will the processor be slowed down due to DMA activity?
(A) 9.6 ms
(B) 4.8 ms
(C) 2.4 ms
(D) 1.2 ms


Answer: (D)

Explanation: DMA module transferring characters at 9600 bps = 9600/8 Bps = 1200 Bps
Processor is fetching instructions at the rate = 1 MIPS (million instruction per second)
Slowdown = 1200/10⁶ = 12*1000/10⁴ ms
= 1.2 ms


Quiz of this Question