10.4. Microinstructions

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a control signal?

   Hint

   Think about the role of commands in controlling devices.

2. 2.

   Why is it important not to enable multiple outputs on the control bus?

   Hint

   Consider what happens when two devices try to send data simultaneously.

3. 3.

   What does a microinstruction do?

   • Initiates a reset
   • Sends control signals
   • Loads data into memory

   Hint

   Focus on the purpose of microinstructions.

4. 4.

   True or False: Multiple registers can send signals to the control bus simultaneously.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens if two devices try to function at once.

5. 5.

   Design a step-by-step process for how the CPU would handle the instruction 'MOV R1, 32' including all necessary microinstructions.

   Hint

   Map out each instruction logically as it flows through the CPU architecture.

6. 6.

   Discuss the effectiveness of different methods in handling contention within a CPU.

   Hint

   Consider how traffic is managed at a busy intersection.