Memory and Instruction Size
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Index Addressing Mode
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Today, we’re going to explore how the CPU uses registers to find memory locations. For instance, if we have register R1 and R5, what can you tell me about how R1 helps find an effective address?
R1 is used to get the value from the memory location that we add to R5.
Exactly! If R1 starts at 1, what would happen when we add it to the content of R5, which is 0?
It means the effective address would point to the first array element.
Correct! Remember, this is a key model called index addressing mode, and I like to use the mnemonic 'RAVE'—Registers Add Value to Effective addresses.
Why do we increment R1?
Great question, every increment allows us to access the next element in a sequence. Let’s summarize: R1+R5 allows us to address memory directly!
Multiple Word Instructions
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Now, let’s shift focus to what happens when an instruction cannot fit in a single word. When might we need multiple memory locations for an instruction?
When the opcode is too long?
Exactly! If we have 16-bit instruction sets, and 8-bit opcodes, we can’t fit everything in one, right?
So, we need two memory locations for the opcode and its operands?
Right again! And every larger instruction size means our program counter behaves complexly, moving non-linearly through memory.
What about examples of these instructions?
Excellent question! Examples include the ADD immediate instruction which spans across memory locations. Let’s recap: multiple word instructions complicate execution because they need multiple fetch cycles.
Addressing Modes
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Let’s dive into some specific addressing modes like immediate, direct, indirect, and displacement. What's an immediate addressing mode?
It uses a constant value directly in the instruction, like an operand.
Correct! How would you explain direct addressing mode?
It refers directly to a memory location for the operand.
Excellent! Now, if we look at indirect addressing mode, it behaves differently. Can anyone highlight that?
It uses a memory address that points to another memory location where the actual operand is held.
Great point! Finally, displacement addressing mode combines an index register with a base address. Recap: addressing modes guide us in locating data, each with its intricacies!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section delves into how memory locations are calculated using registers and the implications of instruction size on CPU operations. By introducing concepts like effective addresses and multiple word instructions, it illustrates the complexity involved in processing instructions, particularly in diverse addressing modes.
Detailed
In this section, we examine the foundational concepts surrounding memory and instruction size, specifically addressing how CPUs utilize registers to calculate effective memory addresses. The initial example highlights how registers R1 and R5 are manipulated, demonstrating an index addressing mode where R1 increments to traverse an array's memory locations. As the content of R1 is added to the reset value in R5, the simplicity of the operation is illustrated, marking a fundamental understanding of loading values from memory. The discussion extends into practical implications, such as the constraints of instruction length and the necessity for multiple word instructions in complex scenarios. Here, we observe how opcode, operands, and addressing modes interact. The section concludes with a detailed examination of various addressing modes like immediate, direct, indirect, and displacement addressing, providing a comprehensive understanding of how effectively data is accessed in programming and computation contexts.
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Understanding Register Operations
Chapter 1 of 7
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Chapter Content
In this case, register 𝑅5 will be 𝑅5 plus what is the content of the memory location. How can you find out? If whatever is 𝑅1 will be added to the content of the memory location, how the memory location is calculated? It is content of 𝑅1 + 1.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces how registers operate in a straightforward addition operation. Register 𝑅5 is updated by adding the value stored in a specified memory location. The address of this memory location is determined by taking the value in register 𝑅1 and adding 1 to it, leading to the conclusion that 𝑅5 = 𝑅5 + memory[𝑅1 + 1].
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a teacher who keeps a score in a notebook (register 𝑅5) and a student who has their homework assignment written down on a specific page in the book (memory). The student's page number starts at 1 (𝑅1). Each time the teacher checks, they add what the student scored (memory[𝑅1 + 1]) to the notebook score.
Initial Values of Registers
Chapter 2 of 7
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Chapter Content
Initially, it is assumed that 𝑅1 has a value of 1 and 𝑅5 has a value of 0. This means 𝑅5 is reset. So, s is reset and the 𝑖 is going to be implemented. 𝑠 = 𝑠 + 𝑎[𝑖], where 𝑎 is the array and 𝑖 is your instruction.
Detailed Explanation
Here, we focus on the initial values assigned to the registers before any operations occur. Register 𝑅1 is set to 1, indicating the index or starting position for an array (𝑎). Register 𝑅5 starts at 0, which acts as a cumulative total where all the added scores or values from the memory will be stored. The example s = s + a[𝑖] establishes the pattern of accumulation.
Examples & Analogies
Think of 𝑅5 as a piggy bank that starts with zero dollars (reset). Each time a student submits their homework on the first page (𝑅1 as 1), the teacher adds whatever score is on that page to the piggy bank.
Memory Location Calculation
Chapter 3 of 7
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Chapter Content
The instruction takes address 1 and adds to the content of 𝑅1. The content of 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 both have 0, thus 0 + 1 equals 1, making the effective address 1.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk explains how the effective address is calculated based on the contents of the registers. Since both registers 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 initially have the value zero, when we calculate the effective memory address, it's determined that address 1 points to the valid data that can be accessed and added to register 𝑅5.
Examples & Analogies
Consider the library system where a librarian checks the first book's index (address 1). Since both the index page number is 0, they realize the first book (address 1) is actually at page numbers combination zero + one.
Incrementing Register Values
Chapter 4 of 7
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Chapter Content
Next, you will increment the value of register number 𝑅1. So, the content of 𝑅1 will now have the value of 1, making it 2. It will be pointing to this next memory location.
Detailed Explanation
After accessing the first memory location and updating register 𝑅5, the operation continues by incrementing the value of 𝑅1. Now with 𝑅1=1, it points to the next memory location. This operation illustrates how the program iterates over consecutive data points in the memory, one after another.
Examples & Analogies
Picture a cashier scanning items at a checkout. After checking the first item and entering its price into the system, the cashier then moves on to the next item in front of them (incrementing goes from one item to the next).
Understanding Multiple Word Instructions
Chapter 5 of 7
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Chapter Content
The size of the instruction cannot be such nice or such length; the opcode will be one place and some parts of the operand will go to the next memory location. This is called multiple word instruction.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk addresses the complexity of instruction sizes and how instructions can span multiple memory addresses. In cases where the instruction is larger than a single word can hold, parts of the operation (opcode) and its operands get spread across multiple locations. Consequently, the program counter (PC) operation becomes non-regular, influenced by the size of the instruction.
Examples & Analogies
Like reading a lengthy chapter in a book that requires you to flip between multiple pages instead of just reading one page, complex instructions require you to gather information from several memory locations to execute smoothly.
Example of Immediate Addressing Mode
Chapter 6 of 7
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Add immediate 75 means the full instruction is stored in two words: 7070 hex for opcode and the next word contains data 75.
Detailed Explanation
This portion focuses on the Example of Immediate Addressing, demonstrating how an instruction like 'add immediate 75' needs two words: one for the opcode and another for data. This highlights how operands are managed in memory based on their format as immediate instructions.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine ordering a pizza where the first part of the order is the type of pizza (opcode), while the second part is the specific toppings (data). Both parts are crucial for a complete order but are handled in separate steps.
Direct vs. Indirect Addressing
Chapter 7 of 7
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Chapter Content
Add direct location, where opcode will take specific bit size addressing, while in indirect the processor must resolve where the operand resides ultimately.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk differentiates between direct and indirect addressing modes. In direct addressing, the instruction itself points directly to the location, while indirect addressing requires one or more steps to ultimately find that location. The complexity increases in indirect addressing as the processor navigates memory to retrieve necessary data.
Examples & Analogies
If direct addressing is like sending a letter to a person’s home with their full address written on the envelope, indirect addressing is like sending the letter to a local office, which then forwards it to the correct home based on their records.
Key Concepts
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Effective Address: The calculated address in memory of an operand.
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Opcode: Identifies the operation to be performed in an instruction.
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Index Addressing Mode: Allows access to memory locations via an index.
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Multiple Word Instruction: Necessary when instructions are too large to fit in a single word.
Examples & Applications
Example of index addressing: If R1 is 1 and R5 is 0, then accessing memory location starts at the first element of an array.
In immediate addressing mode, the instruction might be 'ADD 5', directly using 5 as its operand.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
In registers where addresses dwell, an index will direct quite well.
Stories
Imagine a librarian using a card catalog. Each card is like an opcode telling where a book—our operand—is found in the library's vast shelves, sometimes needing multiple cards for the big tomes!
Memory Tools
Remember 'DICE'—Direct Immediate, Conditional, and Effective addressing modes.
Acronyms
For addressing modes, think 'I-DID'—Immediate, Direct, Indirect, and Displacement.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Effective Address
The address in memory where data can be accessed or modified.
- Index Register
A register used to modify operand addresses during program execution.
- Opcode
A part of an instruction that specifies what the instruction actually does.
- Immediate Addressing Mode
An addressing mode where the operand value is given explicitly in the instruction.
- Direct Addressing Mode
An addressing mode where the operand's address is directly specified in the instruction.
- Indirect Addressing Mode
An addressing mode where the address of the operand is specified indirectly via a pointer.
- Displacement Addressing Mode
An addressing mode that combines an index register with a base address.
- Multiple Word Instruction
An instruction that requires more than one word storage due to its length.
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