19.1.2. State Transition Details

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define control signals.

   Hint

   Think about the role of communication within the CPU.

2. 2.

   What does the program counter do?

   Hint

   Remember its position in relation to instruction execution.

3. 3.

   What is the primary function of the program counter?

   • It manages control signals.
   • It holds the address of the next instruction.
   • It stores data.

   Hint

   Think about where instructions are fetched from.

4. 4.

   True or False: The MFC signal indicates that memory operations are completed.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what it would mean for the CPU if this signal wasn't received.

5. 5.

   Design a simple FSM for a hypothetical instruction 'SUB R2, M'. Include states, control signals, and timing considerations.

   Hint

   Consider how each part of the instruction breaks down into states.

6. 6.

   Analyze how an incorrect MFC signal could impact instruction processing. Provide examples.

   Hint

   Think about the reliance on memory readiness in instruction sequences.