Indirect Addressing Mode - 31.1.1 | 31. Introduction to Addressing Modes | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 1
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Understanding Indirect Addressing Mode

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're diving into indirect addressing mode. Can anyone share what they believe indirect addressing is?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it's when the address of the data isn't directly given, but rather calculated with registers.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Indirect addressing uses registers to form effective addresses. For example, if R1 has a value of 1, and you want to access memory by adding that to another value, you go to a memory location. That's how we reference data indirectly.

Student 2
Student 2

So, the effective address changes as we update R1?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Each increment allows us to access a new memory space. It's like following a path with steps that can change. Remember the acronym I-M-E: 'Index Memory Effectively.' This can help you recall how registers index memory locations.

Student 3
Student 3

What happens if we use an array?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! When we use arrays, we sum values recursively, like s = s + a[i]. We keep incrementing the index to access elements within the array as each step adds a new dimension to our memory access. Let’s summarize: Indirect addressing gives flexibility in how we reference memory by using register values dynamically.

Detailed Example of Indirect Addressing Mode

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's clarify that with a practical example. If R1 starts at 1 and we’re accessing memory, what’s the first address we look at?

Student 2
Student 2

It would be memory location 1, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! And if that memory holds a value, how would we add it to R5?

Student 4
Student 4

We would take the value from memory location 1 and add it to what’s currently in R5, which starts at 0.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! So, after the first operation, what would R5 hold?

Student 1
Student 1

R5 would hold the value of the first memory location.

Teacher
Teacher

Great job! This is crucial: you modify R1 to point to the next memory and repeat the operation. Remember, with every addition, we redefine our memory scope—extending the reach of our data. That’s how flexible indirect addressing is.

Instruction Size and Memory Address Computation

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s talk about instruction sizes. Can someone tell me how they can affect the way we compute addresses in indirect addressing?

Student 3
Student 3

If instructions are larger than just one word, are we breaking them into parts?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Larger instructions mean the opcode must spread over multiple words. This can affect how addresses are accessed because we might need to fetch parts of an instruction separately. An easy way to remember is the acronym M-W-O: 'Multiple Word Operations.'

Student 2
Student 2

So, it's important to keep track of where the parts of the instruction are stored?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! This becomes vital when using indirect addressing. You have to know where each component lies to piece together an address or instruction. Let’s summarize: Instructions can vary in size, affecting how we navigate through memory.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section discusses the concept of indirect addressing mode in computer architecture, detailing how operands are accessed using memory locations determined by register values.

Standard

The section explains indirect addressing mode, highlighting how it adds values from memory using a register indirectly. It uses examples, like the addition operation with registers and memory data, emphasizing how effective addresses are computed through register manipulation.

Detailed

Indirect Addressing Mode

Indirect addressing mode is utilized in computer architecture for accessing operands indirectly through memory locations that are calculated by values stored in registers. In this mode, a register's content is fetched, modified, and then used to determine the actual memory address where the data resides; it often works in conjunction with various types of registers. For instance, if we take register R1 with an initial value of 1 and R5 as 0, then compute an effective memory address by adding the value of R1 to another constant, we can retrieve values from memory based on this dynamic address. As the program executes, registers are frequently updated, and this indexing replicates a common programming operation of summing values from an array (e.g., s = s + a[i]). This functionality demonstrates how indirect addressing can effectively manage memory with arrays and accumulators, allowing for efficient data manipulation. Different complexities arise based on the structure of instructions, illustrated through various examples of instruction sizes and how they handle effective addresses across registers and operands.

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Audio Book

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Understanding Indirect Addressing

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In this case, register 𝑅5 will be 𝑅5 plus what is the content of the memory location. To find out what is 𝑅1, we add the content of memory location, which is calculated as content of 𝑅1 + 1.

Detailed Explanation

In indirect addressing mode, the address of the operand is not given explicitly. Instead, it is calculated from a register that contains the memory address. In this instance, the value of 𝑅5 is updated by adding the content found at a memory location addressed via 𝑅1 incremented by 1.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it like having a friend (𝑅1) who knows where to find a book (the memory location). You ask your friend to check the shelf (memory) beside them (incrementing by 1) for the book you need (the operand), and bring that back to you to add to your current score (𝑅5).

The Process of Memory Access

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Initially, both 𝑅1 and 𝑅5 start with predefined values; 𝑅1 is initialized to 1 and 𝑅5 is reset to 0.

Detailed Explanation

In the example, the registers are initialized to specific values before any operations occur. 𝑅1 holds the value indicating the first memory position, and 𝑅5 starts at zero, representing the starting point for accumulation. This sets the stage for the operations that will occur with each instruction.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are starting a new board game, where you have a score set to zero (𝑅5) and a marker that indicates your player starts at the first position (𝑅1). Before you can play, everything needs an initial setting.

Execution of Operations

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When executed, the instruction takes the address from the register, for example, 1 from 𝑅1, and accesses the corresponding memory content. If the instruction's execution involves adding this memory content to 𝑅5, it will store the sum back in 𝑅5.

Detailed Explanation

The process outlines the fetching of data from the calculated address and using that data to update another register. As the operation is performed, the effective address is determined by the calculations involving the relevant registers, leading to smooth data manipulation.

Examples & Analogies

Consider this like opening a box that is locked (the memory location) and, to unlock it, you need to refer to specific instructions (the register contents). Once opened, you take out a card (the data) and use it to increase your score (summed to 𝑅5).

Incrementing the Register

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After processing, you increment the value of 𝑅1, so the next data access would point to the next memory location.

Detailed Explanation

Incrementing 𝑅1 is crucial for moving through a list or array stored in memory. Each increment directs the addressing to the next data element, ensuring that your operations continue to progress along sequential data.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this like reading a book. Each time you finish reading a page (process an operand), you turn to the next page (increment the register) to read further content (access new data). This systematic approach keeps the reading (data processing) flowing.

Iterative Accessing of Array Elements

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The process continues where 𝑅1 keeps incrementing, allowing successive memory locations to be accessed and processed.

Detailed Explanation

As the addressing moves forward through the memory space via the register 𝑅1, it accesses elements of a given structure, like an array, facilitating an easy loop for data accumulation or manipulation.

Examples & Analogies

Visualize this as collecting stamps in an album (array). Each time you switch to another page (increment 𝑅1), you add a new stamp (data element) to your collection (accumulate in 𝑅5), creating a growing and organized setup.

Final Remarks on Addressing Mode

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Ultimately, what we see with indirect addressing is how flexible it is, employing a user-defined register which can be utilized by programmers for efficient data management.

Detailed Explanation

This section concludes with the acknowledgment of indirect addressing as an effective strategy in programming, allowing for flexibility and user-defined control over memory management.

Examples & Analogies

Think of indirect addressing like a GPS system (user-defined register) directing you to various restaurants (data locations) based on your preferences. It provides not just a straightforward path but allows you to choose different routes based on your current needs.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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

Key Concepts

  • Indirect Addressing: Uses registers to calculate effective address.

  • Effective Address: Address formed by considering the register's content.

  • Registers: Temporary storage areas in CPU for quick data manipulation.

  • Opcode: The command that tells the CPU what operation to perform.

  • Memory Operations: The interaction between CPU and memory to store and retrieve data.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • When R1 = 1 and R5 = 0, accessing memory through the effective address calculated as R1 + a constant.

  • Using an array where indirect addressing allows cumulative summation like s = s + a[i].

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Register R1, oh what fun, adds the steps, and now we’ve won! Effective addresses are just a game, use them well, and you’ll gain fame!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a treasure map where R1 represents the 'X' marking the spot. Each increment of R1 leads you to a new treasure, just like accessing new memory spaces.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember INDIRECT, think: I for Indirect, N for Navigation through memory using Data in Registers!

🎯 Super Acronyms

R-E-M

  • Registers Enable Memory access.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Indirect Addressing

    Definition:

    A mode of addressing in which the address of the operand is not given directly but indirectly through a register.

  • Term: Effective Address

    Definition:

    The final address calculated based on the content of registers to access data in memory.

  • Term: Register

    Definition:

    A small amount of fast storage available on a CPU used to hold data temporarily during processing.

  • Term: Opcode

    Definition:

    The part of an instruction that specifies the operation to be performed.

  • Term: Memory Location

    Definition:

    A specific address in the memory where data is stored.