6.3.3. Instruction Units 4 and 5

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the three main steps in an instruction cycle?

   Hint

   Think of the acronym F.D.E.

2. 2.

   What is the role of control signals?

   Hint

   Consider what controls data flow.

3. 3.

   What are the phases of the instruction cycle?

   • Fetch
   • Process
   • Execute
   • Fetch
   • Decode
   • Execute
   • Decode
   • Process
   • Store

   Hint

   Remember the acronym F.D.E.

4. 4.

   True or False: Micro-instructions are smaller operations that are part of a macro-instruction.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the definition of macro versus micro.

5. 5.

   Design a simple computing task that requires at least three macro instructions. Outline the control signals needed for execution.

   Hint

   Think about how each operation can logically lead to the next.

6. 6.

   Explore how an unexpected interrupt might influence the control signals during the execution of an instruction.

   Hint

   Consider real-world scenarios where immediate action is required, impacting ongoing processes.