Program Counter and Instruction Fetching - 16.5.2 | 16. Instruction Design | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 1
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Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to Instruction Formats

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we will cover instruction formats and how we design operations like SUB M. Can anyone tell me what SUB M does?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it related to subtracting values from the accumulator?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The SUB M instruction means the accumulator equals the accumulator minus the contents of memory. This instruction is crucial as it actively modifies the data we store.

Student 2
Student 2

What about other instructions? How do they fit in?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! We have instructions for loading data, storing it, and performing arithmetic operations. For instance, the instruction format usually follows a specific pattern where codes correspond to different operations.

Student 3
Student 3

Could you explain how these formats look, maybe with a code example?

Teacher
Teacher

Of course! For example, if our instruction code is 9000, it refers to loading the value from register R0 into the accumulator.

Student 4
Student 4

So each opcode corresponds to a certain operation?

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! These opcodes streamline the execution process, allowing specific tasks to be performed efficiently.

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize, instruction formats allow us to design complex operations simply and effectively using opcodes that dictate how to manipulate the accumulator.

Understanding the Program Counter

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's move onto the program counter. What do you think its role is in executing programs?

Student 1
Student 1

It probably keeps track of the instruction being executed next.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The program counter directs the CPU to fetch the next instruction from memory. It increments after each instruction to ensure the sequence is maintained.

Student 3
Student 3

What happens in the case of jumps or branches?

Teacher
Teacher

In instructions like JMP or JZ, the program counter will load a specific address based on the condition. This allows branching, where the flow of the program diverges.

Student 4
Student 4

So, managing the PC is critical for program execution?

Teacher
Teacher

Right you are! Without effective management of the program counter, the CPU wouldn't know where to pull instructions from next, which could lead to errors.

Teacher
Teacher

Remember, the program counter essentially tracks execution locations, enabling loops and conditional jumps, vital for programming logic.

Control Instructions: JMP, JZ, JNZ

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's explore control instructions like JMP, JZ, and JNZ. What do you think the distinction might be between them?

Student 2
Student 2

I guess JMP is unconditional, while JZ and JNZ depend on conditions.

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! JMP performs an unconditional jump to a specified memory location, while JZ and JNZ check the zero flag's status before executing their jumps.

Student 1
Student 1

How does the zero flag get set?

Teacher
Teacher

The zero flag gets activated as a result of arithmetic operations. If an operation results in a zero value, the flag is set, enabling conditional executions.

Student 3
Student 3

Could you give an example of using JZ in a program?

Teacher
Teacher

Certainly! If an ALU operation results in zero, and our JZ opcode points to address 350, then the program fetches the next instruction from address 350 instead of the subsequent one.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, understanding control instructions is vital for creating dynamic and responsive computer programs that can adapt based on data conditions.

Example: Total Marks Calculation Program

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's look at a real-world example where we calculate total marks using our instruction set. How might we write this program?

Student 4
Student 4

We would start by loading the marks into the accumulator and then adding them one by one, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The process involves loading each mark into the accumulator, adding it to a total variable, then decrementing a counter until all marks are processed.

Student 2
Student 2

What happens if we need to check each mark for validity before adding it?

Teacher
Teacher

In this case, we'd use conditional jumps. After validating a mark, if it's suitable, we perform the addition, reflecting dynamic programming logic.

Student 3
Student 3

So the key is chaining these instructions together logically to achieve our result?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Combining the correct sequence of instructions with control flow allows for a cohesive execution of tasks.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, practical programming requires structuring our instruction flow wisely to accomplish complex tasks such as total computations effectively.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section discusses the design and implementation of instructions in computer architecture, focusing on how specific operations like addition, subtraction, and loading data occur within a processor.

Standard

The section elaborates on the design of instructions such as SUB M, various loading and storing operations, as well as special instructions like JMP, JZ, and JNZ. It highlights the concept of a program counter, the operational flow of instructions, and examples of program execution in a simple computer architecture context.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

This section delves into the foundational aspects of instruction fetching and how instructions are designed within a computer architecture. Initially, it outlines the task of creating new instructions, particularly focusing on subtraction (SUB M), which updates the accumulator by subtracting values from memory. Following this, it elaborates on loading and storing data (LDA M, STA M), explaining how opcodes are structured to allow operations on registers and memory.

Moreover, it discusses control instructions like JMP, JZ, and JNZ, emphasizing their role in determining how programs branch and execute sequentially or conditionally. The significance of the program counter (PC) is touched upon, detailing how it increments to fetch the next instruction during execution. Real-world examples illustrate how a simple program can compute the total marks from multiple subjects, illustrating higher-level coding principles down to machine-level instructions. The section ultimately conveys how a processor interprets and executes a sequence of commands, connecting higher-level languages through to machine code.

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Audio Book

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Introduction to Instructions and Codes

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These are the 3 Instructions we have designed and the code assigned is your 1, 2 and 5. Other codes are now still available to me. So, now we can design some more Instructions. So now, we are saying that already we have designed...

(Refer Slide Time: 36:41)

Detailed Explanation

In this part, the speaker explains that they have already created three instructions with corresponding codes 1, 2, and 5, which are usable for programming. More instructions can be introduced, and the next designed instruction is called SUB M, which is used for subtraction. It indicates that the accumulator will hold the result of subtracting contents from memory. This introduction sets the stage for designing a structured instruction format to standardize the commands used in programming.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a recipe that lists three main ingredients (like ‘1’ for sugar, ‘2’ for flour, and ‘5’ for butter). You realize you can add more ingredients such as salt (numbered ‘4’). This is similar to designing new instructions, where old ones are retained and new ones provide extra functionality.

Instruction Format and Memory Reference

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The instruction format is the same whatever we are going to design for all the instruction it is going to follow this particular pattern. Now again I am going to give designing 4 more Instructions. This is a similar Instruction load...

(Refer Slide Time: 37:34)

Detailed Explanation

The speaker discusses the standard instruction format that should be used for all commands, ensuring consistency in the coding system. They mention adding more instructions that involve loading and storing from registers instead of memory. Instructions follow binary encoding rules where specific bits are designated for operations, and the instructions range from direct memory access to register manipulation. It clarifies that the instructions not only work with memory but also interact with limited registers.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a universal remote control that can be programmed to control various devices. Each device can use the same set of buttons (universal instructions) but may perform different functions (like changing channels on a TV vs. adjusting the volume on a sound system). The consistent instruction format ensures that no matter what device you’re controlling, the basic commands remain the same.

Register Operations and Addressing

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If I say that this is your 9000 means it is going to refer to this particular Register R0. The value of the Register R0 will be loaded to the Accumulator. So, similarly if my opcode is your 9001 it is going to say that take the value of the Register R1...

(Refer Slide Time: 39:00)

Detailed Explanation

Here, the speaker explains how specific opcodes represent particular registers. For example, an instruction such as ‘9000’ loads the value from Register 0 into the accumulator, while ‘9001’ does the same for Register 1. This emphasizes how operations can be performed on values stored in registers, which are temporary storage locations within the CPU. By using different codes or opcodes, a program can easily manipulate data during execution.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a small box for each family member where they keep their personal items (registers). When someone wants to retrieve their items (data), they simply call out their name (opcode) to open their box and take what they need (load into accumulator). This organization allows for efficient managing and accessing of individual items without mixing them up.

Increment and Decrement Instructions

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We are designing some more instructions over here. So, this is INR is basically an increment and DEC is your decrement... If I am going to say 6900. In that particular case what will happen 6 is my decrement.

(Refer Slide Time: 41:41)

Detailed Explanation

This section introduces increment (INR) and decrement (DEC) operations, which can be performed on both registers and memory. For example, an instruction like ‘6900’ indicates to decrement the value at memory location 900. This highlights a straightforward functional concept in programming that helps to easily modify values in a program during execution. The idea behind not using the ALU for these operations is also discussed, favoring a specialized increment/decrement circuit instead.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you have a savings jar (register) where you can either add coins (increment) or take coins out (decrement). Instead of using a mathematical tool to calculate the amount each time, you simply drop a coin in or take one out. This simple action makes managing your savings straightforward and efficient, similar to how the CPU operates with these instructions.

Control Instructions: Jump Operations

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Here I am saying that opcode 0 is your JMP. It is a jump Instruction... Similarly 7 is given as your JZ and F is your JNZ...

(Refer Slide Time: 44:52)

Detailed Explanation

Control instructions are critical for altering the flow of program execution. OPCODE ‘0’ indicates an unconditional jump (JMP), while ‘7’ and ‘F’ introduce conditional jumps (like jumping to a different instruction if a condition is met). These commands rely on the status of a zero flag set by the ALU, demonstrating how programs can alter their execution path based on certain conditions, much like following road signs while driving.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a choose-your-own-adventure book where at the bottom of a page you choose a direction (JMP, JZ, JNZ) based on previous choices (ALU results). Depending on your decision, you flip to a different part of the book. This resembles how CPUs decide which instruction to execute next based on the outcome of previous operations.

Program Execution Process

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So now, you just see that we are having 16 different operations with and we are assigning this particular 16 different operations...

(Refer Slide Time: 50:00)

Detailed Explanation

This portion summarizes how the processor fetches instructions from memory, loaded by the program counter, and then executes them sequentially. At the core of this is the instruction register (IR), which holds the opcode and corresponding address that leads to subsequent actions. As it cycles through instructions, it emphasizes the structured approach taken by CPUs to process data systematically.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine reading through a recipe step by step. Each instruction (like chopping veggies, boiling water, etc.) is executed in the order given. If you follow each step thoroughly, you’ll achieve the desired outcome—just like following the code sequentially in a CPU leads to a completed program.

Analyzing a Simple Program

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Now say I feel that now we are having an idea how a program is executed in a computer... So, in high level you know that we can define array...

(Refer Slide Time: 52:17)

Detailed Explanation

The text discusses how to translate high-level programming into instructions the processor can understand. It presents an example where a program calculates total marks for six subjects using an array setup in memory. The speaker breaks it down into steps, demonstrating how low-level instructions would sequentially load, add, and store data in memory, illustrating the journey from high-level concepts down to hardware-level interactions.

Examples & Analogies

Think of crafting a project. You have an overview (high-level language) where you visualize the final product. Then, you write a plan with individual steps (assembly language), and finally, you annotate detailed instructions for each task (machine code). Following these varying degrees of detail ensures you achieve your final goal.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Instruction Format: The structure defined to organize and simplify the execution of operations in a CPU.

  • Accumulator: A register that holds intermediate results of arithmetic operations.

  • Program Counter (PC): A register that tracks the next instruction's address in memory.

  • Control Instructions: Special instructions that enable conditional and unconditional branching in code execution.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Using instruction SUB M to subtract values from the accumulator and facilitate calculations.

  • Programmatic example: calculating total scores of marks from a list using loop constructs.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Add and subtract, keep your cool, the accumulator is the math tool.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a busy librarian (the CPU) sorting through books (instructions) using a program counter to remember where to go next.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the order of Jumps: 'Jump when Zero, Not when Zero!'

🎯 Super Acronyms

PC for Program Counter helps you race through your next instruction in the memory space!

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Accumulator

    Definition:

    A register in a CPU that stores intermediate arithmetic and logic results.

  • Term: Program Counter (PC)

    Definition:

    A special register that holds the address of the next instruction to be executed.

  • Term: Opcode

    Definition:

    A portion of the instruction that specifies the operation to be performed.

  • Term: JMP (Jump)

    Definition:

    An instruction that causes the program to jump to a specified memory address unconditionally.

  • Term: JZ (Jump if Zero)

    Definition:

    An instruction that causes a jump to a specified address if the zero flag is set.

  • Term: JNZ (Jump if Not Zero)

    Definition:

    An instruction that causes a jump to a specified address if the zero flag is not set.

  • Term: ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

    Definition:

    A digital circuit used to perform arithmetic and logic operations.