Re-organized Question Types by Microprocessor/Peripheral IC

I. Intel 8085 Microprocessor Questions

Theory/Descriptive (Explain, Discuss, Differentiate, What is, How):

Explain with example: DAD, LHLD, XTHL instructions of 8085. (04 - Dec 2019, May
2023, July 2023)
Explain with example SIM and RIM instructions of 8085. (03 - Dec 2019, May 2023,
July 2023)
Explain the type of numbers that can be displayed at the output port. (02 - Dec 2019)
Explain the S1 and S0 pins of the 8085 microprocessor. (02 - May 2025)
How will the multiplexed address/data bus (AD0-AD7) of the 8085 microprocessor be
demultiplexed? Explain with clear diagram. (03 - May 2025)
Enlist various conditional CALL instructions of the 8085 microprocessor. Discuss
with example three different conditional CALL instructions. (04 - May 2025, May
2023)
What is an ISR? Differentiate between a Subroutine and an ISR. (03 - May 2025, May
2023)
Explain interrupt response of 8085 with 8259 programmable interrupt controller
(PIC). Discuss all OCWs of 8259. (05 - July 2019, 04 - Feb 2020, July 2023, July 2023)
Explain with diagram RST-6 as software Interrupt in 8085. (03 - July 2019)
Explain with example PUSH & POP, CALL & RET in 8085. (04 - Feb 2020)
Explain with example hardware circuit to generate opcode of RST 5 of 8085. (02 - Feb
2024)
Explain with example hardware circuit to generate RST 6 when INTR is activated
through valid input signal. Write an 8085 assembly language program (ALP), which
display FF at output port F4H when INTR is activated. (03 - July 2024)
Explain the architecture of 8086 microprocessor. (04 - July 2019) [Note: This
question appears in a section with 8085, but clearly asks about 8086]
Assembly Language Programming (ALP):
Write 8085 assembly language program (ALP) to generate a Fibonacci number in
Decimal locations starting from location 4000H. (03 - May 2023)
Write 8085 ALP to convert an 8-digit packed BCD number stored in locations 4000H
to 4003H to equivalent binary number. Store the result in locations 4004H to 4007H.
(02 - May 2023)
Write an 8085 ALP to count zero, negative, and positive numbers in the given set of
signed data bytes stored at 4050H onwards. Use suitable addresses to store the
results. (04 - July 2019)
Write an 8085 ALP to implement 16 by 8 division by using shift and subtract method.
Use suitable addresses to store the results. (05 - Feb 2020)
Write a commented 8085 Assembly Language Programme (ALP) for the following: to
generate a 1 second delay using software delay technique, if the crystal frequency is
6 MHz. (04 - May 2025)
Write an 8085 assembly language program (ALP) to search a byte in 16-byte array.
Assume byte is FFH and will exist once, if it is present. Store the corresponding
memory address at memory location 9300H and 9301. The starting address of array
is 9200H. (03 - Feb 2024)
 Write 8085 assembly language program (ALP) to add 2 arrays and generate a third
array of results. The array consists of 16 bytes of data. Array 1 starts from 9100H
onwards and array 2 starts from 9200H onwards and the result array 3 should start
from 9300 onwards. Addition should be performed as follows: first element of array 1
with array 2 (discarding carry if produced). Store the result in array 3 and so on up to
the end. (04 - Feb 2024)
Write 8085 assembly language program (ALP) to generate sum of sixteen 16-bits
numbers, which may result into 24 bits results. The 16-bits numbers are stored (in
LSB to MSB order) at locations starting from location 4000H onwards, store the
result at 5000H onwards. (04 - July 2023)
Write a subroutine using 8085 instructions that compares two equal length of blocks
of memory to see whether they are equal or not. Write your subroutine such that the
starting address of block 1 is in HL and block 2 is in DE and the block length is in
register C. when the subroutine is called. If the blocks are identical, have the
subroutine return with carry set. If the blocks differ, have it return with carry cleared
and the address of the first location of block 2 that differs from that of block 1, in HL
and the contents of that location in register B. (04 - May 2025, May 2023)
Draw and Explain Questions:
Draw and explain timing diagram of OUT instruction of 8085. (03 - Feb 2024, July
2024)
Problem Solving/Application:
Design a delay subroutine in 8085 for 1 second delay. Show clear calculations for 1
sec. time delay. Assume 2MHz clock frequency. (03 - Dec 2019)

II. Intel 8086 Microprocessor Questions

Theory/Descriptive (Explain, Discuss, Differentiate, What is, How):

Explain the architecture of 8086 microprocessor. (04 - July 2019)
Explain the use of BRE along with A8 pin of the 8086 microprocessor. (02 - May 2025,
July 2023)
Describe the importance of bus interface unit (BIU) and execution unit (EU) the 8086
microprocessor. (03 - May 2025, July 2023)
Explain with example: PUBLIC and EXTRN, CALL to FAR procedure, CMPS and SAHF
instructions in 8086. (08 - May 2025, July 2023)
Discuss with example LAA, AAA, IMUL and DIV-instructions of 8086. (04 - Feb 2024)
Explain with example any two string manipulation instructions of 8086. (03 - Feb
2024)
Enlist priority of interrupts in 8086. Discuss with example any one software interrupt
of 8086. (04 - Feb 2024, July 2019, Feb 2020, May 2023, July 2023)
Explain the use of 8085 Interrupt Priority Structure. Describe action taken when
8085 interrupts occurs and explain in detail type-4 interrupt of 8086. (03 - July
2024) [Note: Mix of 8085 interrupt and 8086 interrupt types]
Distinguish (with example) between JMP 2525 and CALL 2525H (ii) SIM and RIM. (04 -
July 2024) [Note: Although these are 8085-related, they are asked in a general
context]
Describe the effects on flags when the following instructions are executed. (03 - July
2024)
 Explain in detail type-2 and type-4 interrupts of 8086. (04 - July 2019)
State different methods of passing parameters to a procedure and give advantages
and disadvantages of each method. (04 - July 2019, Feb 2020)
Enlist different parameter passing techniques of 8086 and discuss any one
technique with example. (06 - Feb 2020)
Explain with example macro vs subroutine in 8086. (03 - Feb 2020)
Explain with example MOV, CMP instructions of 8086. (03 - July 2019)
Assembly Language Programming (ALP):
Write an 8086 ALP to convert Binary to unpacked BCD conversion for the set of
sixteen 8-bits numbers stored at 4000H onwards. Store the results at 4500H
onwards. Implement subroutine to perform code conversion. (04 - Dec 2019)
Write 8086 Assembly Language Program (ALP) using macros: i. to read a character
from module-1(file1.asm) ii. to display a character in module-2(file2.asm) iii. to read a
string of characters from the keyboard using the above two modules iv. to read a
string of characters from the keyboard by the carriage return and print the string on
the display in the next line. (08 - Dec 2019)
Write 8086 ALP to compute nCr using recursive procedure. Assume that 'n' and 'r' is
non-negative integers (8-bits) entered through keyboard. (10 - Feb 2020)
Write 8086 ALP to subtract two 3 x 3 matrix of signed 8 bit numbers. Assume that
each of the elements of the result matrix can be stored in 8 bits. (04 - Feb 2020)
Write an 8086 ALP using macro to enter the string through keyboard and check using
subroutine, whether entered string is palindrome or not? (04 - Feb 2020)
Write 8086 ALP to enter the string from keyboard and perform case conversion
(lower to upper, upper to lower) on the given string using subroutine. (04 - July 2019)
Write a commented 8086 Assembly Language Programme (ALP) for the following: to
find and replace a word with other word for the line entered through keyboard.
Implement macro to enter the word and/o: line. Implement procedure to find and
replace. Display both the lines and messages accordingly using macro. (04 - May
2025)
Write a commented 8086 Assembly Language Programme (ALP) for the following: to
generate N (8-bits) numbers of Fibonacci Series using recursive procedure.
Implement procedure to display the 8-bits numbers of the series. Display messages
accordingly using macro. (05 - May 2025)
Write an 8086 ALP to enter N (16-bits) numbers through keyboard using macro. Use
procedure to count all the even numbers in the list of N 16-bits numbers. Store the
result at an offset 2400H. (06 - July 2024)
Write an 8086 ALP to check for palindrome for the string entered using macro
through keyboard. Store 01 at an offset 2500H if the string is palindrome otherwise
store 00. (04 - July 2024)
Write an 8086 ALP to count the occurrences of the given character in the line
entered through keyboard. Implement macro/s to take line input through keyboard
and also to enter the character. Display the result on screen using display macro. (04
- Feb 2024)
Write an 8086 ALP to check for palindrome for the given line through keyboard.
Implement macro to take line input through keyboard. Implement procedure (i) for
 generating the reverse of the given line and (ii) Display output message/s using
macro. (05 - July 2023)
Draw and Explain Questions:
Draw and explain Block diagram of 8086 architecture. (04 - July 2019)
Draw and explain the format of a flag register of the 8086 microprocessor. (03 - May
2025)
Draw and Explain 8086 interrupt architecture diagram. (04 - July 2023, July 2019)
Draw and Explain 8086 internal architecture diagram. (04 - July 2023)

III. Intel 8255 Programmable Peripheral Interface (PPI) Questions

Theory/Descriptive (Explain, Discuss, Differentiate):

Draw and explain 8255 Mode-1 (output) with control and status signals. (03 - May
2023)
Draw and explain 8255 Mode-1 and 5 with signals. (03 - July 2023)
Draw and explain 8255 Mode-1 with control signals. (03 - Feb 2024, July 2024)
Problem Solving/Application (Interfacing Design):
Design a system (both hardware and software) using 8086 that will cause four
common anode LEDs connected with PC3 to flash 10 times when a push button (PB)
switch connected with PA0 is pressed. Use the 8255 to interface the LEDs and PB
switch. Assume delay of 0.1 second is available. Design I/O programming (using 8255
encoder and appropriate gates) such that the port addresses 0040H, 0042H, 0044H,
and 0046H are assigned to port A, port B, port C and the control register of 8255,
respectively. (04 - Dec 2019)
Design and draw complete memory interfacing circuit with 8085 to interface 2K ROM
using 1024X4 IC and 4K RAM using 2KX8 IC and I/O interfacing with two 8255 using
single 3 to 8 decoder with suitable start addresses. (04 - July 2019, 05 - Feb 2020)
Design and draw complete memory interfacing circuit with 8085 to interface 12K
ROM using 4KX4 IC and 2K RAM using 1KX8 IC and I/O interfacing with two 8255s
using single 3 to 8 decoder with suitable start addresses. (04 - May 2023, July 2023)
Design and Explain Multiplexed Scan Display for displaying CS20 using 8085 and
8255. Assume suitable port addresses and write complete routine for the same. (04 -
May 2023, July 2023)
Design and draw complete memory interfacing circuit with 8085 to interface 16K
ROM using 4KX4 IC and 4K RAM using 2KX8 IC and I/O interfacing with one 8255 using
single 3 to 4 decoder with suitable start addresses. (04 - Feb 2024, July 2024)
Draw and explain 8 x 4 Matrix keyboard interfacing circuit using 8085, 8255 and other
elements. (06 - July 2024)

IV. Intel 8259 Programmable Interrupt Controller (PIC) Questions

Theory/Descriptive (Explain, Discuss, Name):

Explain interrupt response of 8085 with 8259 programmable interrupt controller
(PIC). Discuss all OCWs of 8259. (05 - July 2019, 04 - Feb 2020, July 2023, July 2023)
Discuss a brief overview of working of 8259 and describe its functional pin diagram.
(03 - May 2023, July 2023)
 Discuss following for 8259A: ICW4, Specially Fully Nested Mode. (04 - May 2025, May
2023)
Name the command word and indicate the contents of the command word that is
required to configure the 8259 for the following operations: ICW4 is going to be
issued; Single 8259 is to be used in the system; The address interval is required to be
8 bytes; The IR-7 requests are to be edge triggered; The LS byte of interrupt vector
address for IR0 to be C0H. (03 - July 2023)
Draw and explain functional block diagram of 8259A. (03 - July 2024)

V. Intel 8279 Keyboard/Display Controller Questions

Theory/Descriptive (Explain, Discuss, Differentiate, Draw):

Discuss a brief overview of working of 8279 keyboard/display interface and describe
its functional pin diagram. (03 - May 2023, July 2023)
Draw and explain internal block diagram of 8279. (03 - Feb 2024, July 2024)
Compare two-key lockout and N-key rollover modes of operation of 8279. (04 - May
2025, May 2023)

VI. Intel 8253/8254 Programmable Interval Timer/Counter Questions

Theory/Descriptive (Explain, Discuss):

Draw and explain diagram mode 1 and mode 3 of 8253. (03 - Feb 2020)
Discuss with timing diagram mode-1 and mode-4 of 8253/54. (04 - May 2025)
In mode 2 of 8253/54, when the counter is programmed with a count of 1, why does
OUT remain high and never go low? (04 - May 2025)
Describe mode 3 of 8253. Design an I/O interfacing circuit using 8253 to have
Counter0 address as FCH. (03 - Feb 2024, July 2024)
Draw and explain functional block diagram of 8253. Draw and explain with diagram
mode1 and mode 3 of 8253. (04 - July 2024)
Problem Solving/Application (Interfacing Design):
Design an I/O interfacing circuit using 8253 to have PortA address as FCH. Write 8085
ALP to generate square wave of 1ms time period using PortA of 8255. Assume clock
frequency of 2MHz. (03 - May 2023, July 2023)
Design and draw complete memory interfacing circuit with 8085 to interface 24K
ROM using 8KX4 IC and 4K RAM using 2KX4 IC and I/O interfacing with two 8253s
using single 3 to 8 decoder with suitable start addresses. (05 - May 2025)
Design and draw complete memory interfacing circuit with 8085 to interface 8K ROM
using 2KX4 IC and 2K RAM using 1KX8 IC and I/O interfacing with two 8253s using
single 3 to 8 decoder with suitable start addresses. (04 - July 2023)