Memory terminology check in digital electronics: A "nibble" (sometimes spelled nybble) refers to a small fixed-width group of bits. Evaluate the statement: "A nibble is a group of eight bits." Provide the correct definition and reasoning.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Digital systems use consistent names for common bit widths so engineers and programmers can communicate precisely. The terms bit, nibble, byte, word, and double word appear in datasheets, assembly language manuals, and memory-mapped I/O documentation. Misdefining these units causes confusion when interpreting registers, encodings, and bus widths.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The statement claims that a nibble is a group of eight bits.
  • Standard terminology is assumed: 1 byte = 8 bits in virtually all modern contexts.
  • We contrast nibble with byte and related groupings.


Concept / Approach:
A nibble is defined as a group of 4 bits. It is exactly half of a byte. Because hexadecimal digits map neatly to 4-bit values (0000 to 1111 equals 0 to 15), the nibble is the natural unit for hex representation. For example, 0xAF is composed of two nibbles: A = 1010 and F = 1111. In contrast, eight bits form a byte (also called an octet), not a nibble.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recall standard sizes: bit (1), nibble (4), byte (8), word (implementation-dependent, often 16 or 32), double word (commonly 32 or 64).2) Map hexadecimal to binary: one hex digit ↔ one nibble (4 bits).3) Therefore, 8 bits is a byte, while 4 bits is a nibble.4) The claim “nibble = 8 bits” contradicts the accepted definition.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check any processor programming guide: status registers and immediate fields are often described in nibbles for hex readability. Tutorials consistently pair nibbles with hex digits and bytes with two hex digits.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Correct” repeats the incorrect claim. “2 bits” and “16 bits” misstate the conventional size; neither aligns with standard usage.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing historical variations of “byte” in very old systems with the modern, near-universal 8-bit byte; however, the nibble has consistently meant 4 bits in mainstream literature.


Final Answer:
Incorrect

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