6.1.3. Instruction Cycle and Micro-operations

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define the instruction cycle.

   Hint

   Think of the steps the CPU takes to execute an instruction.

2. 2.

   What are micro-operations?

   Hint

   Consider the steps outlined in the instruction cycle.

3. 3.

   What is the sequence of the instruction cycle?

   • Decode
   • Execute
   • Fetch
   • Fetch
   • Decode
   • Execute
   • Execute
   • Fetch
   • Decode

   Hint

   Remember the initial FDE acronym!

4. 4.

   True or False: Control signals are generated during the execution phase only.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about when data movement begins.

5. 5.

   Design a control unit for a hypothetical architecture that includes a dual-bus system capable of handling both memory and register transfers simultaneously.

   Hint

   Review bus architecture effects on execution speed and efficiency within instruction cycles.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how different macro instructions would break down into micro instructions and analyze the effect this has on control signal generation.

   Hint

   Consider ADD, LOAD, and STORE instructions to analyze distinct microoperation sequences.