Explanation
Correct Option: (A) 220 bytes = 1 MB
Explanation
In computer architecture, the amount of directly addressable memory is determined by the width of the Address Bus, not the Data Bus.
Address Bus Width: The system has a 20-bit address bus. This means the CPU can generate 220 unique memory addresses.
Calculating Addressable Memory: Each memory address typically points to a storage unit of 1 byte. Therefore:
Total_Memory_Capacity=2Address_Bus_Width×Addressable_Unit_Size
Total_Memory_Capacity=220×1 byte
Conversion: We know that:
210 bytes=1 KB
220 bytes=1024×1024 bytes=1 MB
The data bus width (16-bit) determines the size of the word that can be transferred at once, but it does not limit the total memory capacity that the system can address.