16.2.4. The Three Stages of Control Transfer Instructions

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two types of control transfer instructions?

   Hint

   Think about instructions that change the flow of execution.

2. 2.

   What does the program counter store?

   Hint

   It's crucial for instruction fetching.

3. 3.

   What is the primary function of control transfer instructions?

   • A. Fetch data
   • B. Alter execution flow
   • C. Store data

   Hint

   Consider what happens when a jump occurs during execution.

4. 4.

   True or False: An unconditional jump requires a condition to execute.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Reflect on the definition of unconditional jumps.

5. 5.

   Describe the flow of execution in a program that contains a sequence of instructions involving both unconditional and conditional jumps. How does the program's control flow change?

   Hint

   Use examples from the texts, illustrating how jumps divert the execution.

6. 6.

   Suppose you have a control unit design where the program counter cannot store temporary values. How might you handle control transfer efficiently?

   Hint

   Think about the elements of CPU architecture that can be dynamically adjusted.