In computer architecture and digital systems, a bus is best described as a coordinated group of conductors used to carry digital signals between components—what is this group composed of?

Introduction / Context:
A bus is a fundamental interconnection mechanism used in computer architecture, embedded systems, and digital electronics. Understanding what physically constitutes a bus clarifies how data, addresses, and control signals traverse between a CPU, memory, and peripherals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A bus carries digital signals (0 or 1) representing data, addresses, and control lines.
• Physical realization in conventional boards and IC packages is via conductive traces or lines.
• We consider classical parallel buses (data/address/control) and do not limit to serial protocols.

Concept / Approach:
At the physical layer, digital signals require conductive paths. In printed circuit boards and inside chips, these paths are metallic conductors (often copper). Multiple such conductors grouped together and coordinated by timing constitute the bus. Higher-level terms like 'registers,' 'gates,' or 'transistors' refer to storage or active devices, not the passive medium carrying signals.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard textbooks and microprocessor datasheets depict buses as bundles of lines (schematic thick lines) labeled with bit ranges, confirming that buses are made of wires/traces.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• registers: storage elements; they source/sink data onto the bus but are not the bus.
• gates: logic primitives that process signals rather than passively carry them.
• transistors: semiconductor devices within gates and drivers; not the interconnect bundle.
• None of the above: incorrect because 'wires' is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the medium (wires) with active circuitry; assuming 'bus' is purely logical with no physical meaning; overlooking that serial buses still map to one or more physical conductors.

Final Answer:
wires