8.2.1. Interrupt Cycle

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a micro instruction?

   Hint

   Think of it as a command for the CPU.

2. 2.

   Why is the program counter important?

   Hint

   Consider where the CPU needs to go next during execution.

3. 3.

   What does the program counter do?

   • Holds data
   • Holds the address of the next instruction
   • Manages memory

   Hint

   Think of where the CPU looks for its next task.

4. 4.

   True or False: Clock grouping can merge dependent instructions.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens if two instructions rely on each other's output.

5. 5.

   Create a flowchart showing the steps in the interrupt cycle and where clock grouping could occur.

   Hint

   Think about which steps can happen simultaneously.

6. 6.

   Analyze a scenario with a race condition during a fetch operation and propose a solution.

   Hint

   Consider how to ensure one operation completes before the next starts.