GATE | GATE-CS-2016 (Set 1) | Question 19

A processor can support a maximum memory of 4 GB, where the memory is word-addressable (a word consists of two bytes). The size of the address bus of the processor is at ____ least bits.

Note : This question was asked as Numerical Answer Type.
(A) 16
(B) 31
(C) 32
(D) None


Answer: (B)

Explanation: Maximum Memory = 4GB = 2³² bytes
Size of a word = 2 bytes
Therefore, Number of words = 2³² / 2 = 2³¹
So, we require 31 bits for the address bus of the processor.

Thus, B is the correct choice.

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