Practice The Fetch-decode-execute Cycle (1.1.5) - Introduction to Computer Systems and Performance
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The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

Practice - The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

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Practice Questions

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Question 1 Easy

What is the first step in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?

💡 Hint: Consider what the CPU does at the start of the cycle.

Question 2 Easy

What does the ALU do during the Execute phase?

💡 Hint: Think about arithmetic operations in a calculator.

4 more questions available

Interactive Quizzes

Quick quizzes to reinforce your learning

Question 1

What is the primary role of the Program Counter?

To hold the fetched instruction
To track the address of the next instruction
To execute arithmetic operations

💡 Hint: Think about what the CPU needs to do next.

Question 2

True or False: The Decode phase is where the CPU executes instructions.

True
False

💡 Hint: Consider the distinction between understanding and action.

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Challenge Problems

Push your limits with advanced challenges

Challenge 1 Hard

Consider a CPU that operates with a 3-clock cycle Instruction Fetch, a 2-clock cycle Decode, and a 5-clock cycle Execute. If the system has to complete 10 instructions, what is the total time taken assuming continuous operation?

💡 Hint: Break down time taken per instruction into its phases.

Challenge 2 Hard

Suppose an instruction fetched has a complex Decode sequence that includes a lookup operation taking longer than usual during execution. How could this affect the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle's overall timing?

💡 Hint: Think about how delays can propagate in a sequence.

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Reference links

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