Interpret Hexadecimal Dump in Computer Science

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around interpreting a hexadecimal dump from computer memory, focusing on converting the hexadecimal values into specific data types, including ASCII characters and integers. Participants are exploring how to decode the data according to a given sequence of items.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how to convert hexadecimal values into ASCII characters and various integer formats. Questions arise about which hexadecimal values correspond to specific data types, particularly regarding the conversion of '47FE' and the interpretation of ASCII encoding.

Discussion Status

Some participants are sharing resources and examples to aid understanding, while others express confusion about the conversion process. A participant has indicated a need for clarification on how to interpret the hexadecimal values, particularly for the ASCII characters.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a teacher's guidance on interpreting the hexadecimal values according to a specific sequence, which includes ASCII characters and different types of integers. Participants are navigating the challenge of converting hexadecimal to the required formats without clear consensus on the initial steps.

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OK i have this question that i do not understand at all. please help if you can.

The hexadecimal dump from part of a computer's memory is as follows:

0000: 4265 6769 6EFA 47FE B087 0086 3253 7A29
0010: C800 E000 0000

The dump is made up of rows of groups of four hexadecimal characters. Each row
contains up to nine 16-bit groups. The first group of a row (terminated by a colon)
is an address and defines the first location into which the following groups are to
be loaded. For example, the first group in the second row is $0010. The second group
is $C800 which is the contents of location $0010. The next group, $E000, is the
contents of $0012 and so on. The 22 bytes of data represent the following sequence
of items:

a. five consecutive ASCII-encoded characters
b. one unsigned 16-bit integer
c. one two's complement 16-bit integer
d. one unsigned 16-bit fraction
e. one 6-digit natural BCD integer


Interpret the hexadecimal dump and convert it into the items above. For example,
convert the floating point numbers to decimal form.


and here's alittle help from the teacher "The hexadecimal values represent a dump of memory. You are to interpret the hexadecimal values according to the sequence required. The first part of the dump (starting at 0000) is for the storage of 5 consecutive ASCII-encoded characters, after that is one unsigned 16-bit integer is stored, after that one two's complement 16-bit integer is stored, etc. Interpret the hexadecimal values starting at location 0000 for the sequence of values listed."

am i suppose to convert '47FE' to "a. five consecutive ASCII-encoded characters" and 'B087' to "b. one unsigned 16-bit integer" etc...?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
http://www.ee.uAlberta.ca/~cockburn/ee380/winter1999/midtermsolns.html is a similar solved problem.

Mark
 
Last edited by a moderator:
the solution was helpful, but i need an explanation because i am very confused.


The hexadecimal dump from part of a computer's memory is as follows:

0000: 4265 6769 6EFA 47FE B087 0086 3253 7A29
0010: C800 E000 0000

please help me with part (a) to get me started.
"a. five consecutive ASCII-encoded characters"

am i suppose to convert 47FE to ASCII?so would it be like...
47 = G
FE = ? not on table,hmm... i am so lost
 
ASCII characters are eights bits apiece, and the first five eight-bit values are 42 65 67 69 6E.

Mark
 
ahhh, i get it. thanks a lot
 

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