Immediate Mode Example - 14.5.1 | 14. Handling Different Addressing Modes | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 2
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Understanding Immediate Mode

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re going to focus on immediate mode. In immediate mode, the operand is included directly in the instruction. Can anyone tell me what that implies about how many steps we might need?

Student 1
Student 1

Does that mean we need fewer steps since the data is right there in the instruction?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Immediate mode typically requires only four micro-instructions. Think of it as a quick access option since there's no need to reach out to memory for the operand.

Student 2
Student 2

What are the steps involved in this mode then?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! The first three steps correspond to instruction fetch, then in the last step, we just move the operand to the designated register. So, it goes like this: fetch the instruction, increment the program counter, load the instruction into the instruction register, and finally transfer the immediate value to the specified register.

Student 3
Student 3

Could you summarize those four steps?

Teacher
Teacher

Of course! To summarize: 1) Load the program counter into the memory address register, 2) increment the program counter, 3) load the instruction into the instruction register, and finally 4) transfer the immediate value from the instruction register to the specified register.

Exploring Direct Mode

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss direct mode. Unlike immediate mode, the direct mode fetches operand data from a memory location specified in the instruction. How many steps do you think we need for this?

Student 4
Student 4

Maybe six steps since it has more complexity than immediate mode?

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! In direct mode, we count six steps: the first three are the same as in immediate mode, then we have to load the memory address from the instruction register into the memory address register, wait for the memory to be ready, and finally retrieve the operand.

Student 1
Student 1

Can you give a quick rundown of those six steps?

Teacher
Teacher

Sure! 1) Load the program counter into the memory address register, 2) increment the program counter, 3) load the instruction into the instruction register, 4) transfer the memory address to memory address register, 5) wait for memory ready signal, and 6) load the operand from memory.

Student 2
Student 2

That makes sense! Thanks for breaking it down.

Understanding Indirect Mode

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s challenge ourselves with indirect mode. Indirect mode is where the instruction points to a memory address that, in turn, points to the actual operand. How many micro-instructions do we think are involved here?

Student 3
Student 3

Isn't it seven steps for indirect mode?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Indirect mode indeed requires seven steps due to its complexity. The first three are the usual fetch steps, but then we need to fetch the address stored at that memory location before getting the operand.

Student 4
Student 4

What would those seven steps look like?

Teacher
Teacher

Here they are: 1) Load the program counter into the memory address register, 2) increment the program counter, 3) load the instruction into the instruction register, 4) fetch the address from instruction register to memory address register, 5) wait for memory signal, 6) load that address into memory address register again, and finally 7) get the actual operand from memory.

Student 1
Student 1

Thanks! It really helps to visualize the steps.

Comparison of Addressing Modes

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s compare all three modes we’ve discussed: immediate, direct, and indirect. Why do you think immediate mode is often preferred for quick operations?

Student 2
Student 2

Probably because it has the least number of steps and is faster to execute?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Immediate mode saves time as it requires fewer steps, making it simple for quick computations. Now, what about direct and indirect modes?

Student 3
Student 3

Direct mode is efficient for accessing specific data, while indirect mode provides more flexibility but at a cost of more steps and time.

Teacher
Teacher

Great insight! Direct mode is straightforward for fixed addresses while indirect mode is useful when operands vary or are computed at runtime. It’s essential to choose the right mode based on the context of the operation.

Student 1
Student 1

Thank you for the clarity, it helps us understand how the architecture works.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section explores various addressing modes in computer architecture, specifically focusing on the immediate mode of instruction execution.

Standard

The section details the steps involved in instruction execution across different addressing modes, notably the immediate mode, direct mode, and indirect mode. It emphasizes the unique characteristics and control signals generated during each mode's execution, illustrating how different addressing approaches impact the sequence of operations within a computer's architecture.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

In this section, we delve into the various addressing modes utilized in computer architecture, particularly focusing on immediate mode. Addressing modes determine how software instructions reference memory locations or data during execution.

Key Addressing Modes

  1. Immediate Mode: This mode allows the operand to be part of the instruction itself, reducing the number of steps required for data fetching. It typically involves only four micro-instructions, making it one of the simplest methods of operand retrieval.
  2. Direct Mode: The operand is located at a specified memory address directly referenced in the instruction. This method requires additional steps compared to immediate mode, totaling six micro-instructions, as it involves fetching the address from memory.
  3. Indirect Mode: The instruction specifies a memory address that holds the actual address of the operand. This often requires the greatest number of operations, typically seven micro-instructions, since it involves retrieving the address first and then accessing its content.

Each of these modes impacts how instructions are executed and helps in understanding how control signals and micro-operations are generated within a CPU's architecture. The discussion includes practical examples and highlights the sequence of operations involved in fetching and executing instructions across these modes.

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Audio Book

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Overview of Immediate Mode

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The first instruction mode the simplest one is the immediate mode. So, we are just saying LOAD R1, 32; that means, the value of 32 constant will be loaded to R1 and we are assuming that this instruction takes a single word. So, in this case the PC has to be incremented by 1.

Detailed Explanation

In assembly language, the immediate mode refers to a way of loading data directly into a register. For example, LOAD R1, 32 means that we want to load the value 32 into register R1. This instruction implies that the processor can directly use the number 32 without needing to find it in memory, which speeds up the operation since it reduces the number of steps required to execute.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it like ordering a pizza. If you have your favorite pizza ready at home (like the value 32), you can quickly take it out and eat it (load it into R1). However, if you had to go to the store (memory) to buy a pizza each time you wanted to eat, it would take longer. Immediate mode allows you to skip that trip and access the pizza directly.

Steps in Immediate Mode Execution

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So, what are the steps? So, the first step if you look you know the program counter will be the output it will go to memory address in. So, what does it mean already we have discussed with the figure in the last class. So, this I am going to keep a bit brief. So, PC out and memory register addressing; that means, what the output of the program counter will be loaded to the memory address, will be in a read mode select will be 0; add and Z. So, up to this PC out, memory register address in and read this corresponds to the fetch part select zero; that means, you are going to add the constant to the program counter and in the output will be of the ALU will be going to register Z.

Detailed Explanation

Executing an immediate mode instruction like LOAD R1, 32 involves several steps: First, the current value of the program counter (PC) is read, determining where in memory the instruction is located. This value is used to fetch the instruction from memory. After fetching the instruction, the constant value (in this case, 32) is directly loaded into the specified register (R1). The PC is then incremented to point to the next instruction.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you're reading a recipe book (the program). When you start at a specific page (the PC), you read the ingredients (the instruction). Once you note the required ingredients (like 32), you can just take them directly from your pantry (the register), and then you turn to the next page for the next step of the recipe.

Final Step in Immediate Mode

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In the second stage Z; that means, the output of the ALU that is Z which is now equal to PC = PC + constant will be going to PC; that means, the output that is PC = PC + constant will be noted into the PC via a bus and we are waiting till the memory sends the signal that I am ready.

Detailed Explanation

In this step, after the instruction is fetched and executed, the next task is to update the program counter to point to the next instruction. This is done by taking the current PC value and adding a constant (which is generally 1, to move to the next instruction). The updated value is then stored back in the PC, ready for the next cycle.

Examples & Analogies

Think of each recipe step as a series of instructions you need to follow. Once you finish one step (like loading 32 into R1), you turn the page to the next step (updating the PC). This keeps you organized and ensures you follow the recipe in the correct order.

Loading the Immediate Value

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Once it is ready the output of the memory data register, which now has the instruction that is equal to LOAD R1, 32 will be loaded into the instruction register.

Detailed Explanation

After the system has signaled that it is ready, the instruction that has just been fetched (LOAD R1, 32) is transferred from the memory data register into the instruction register. This is where the CPU keeps the currently executing instruction, allowing it to decode and execute it.

Examples & Analogies

Using the recipe analogy, this step is akin to noting down the specific action you need to take after you've understood what ingredients you need. Once you have everything ready (like the instruction being in the memory data register), you jot it down on a sticky note (the instruction register) to remind you of what to do next.

Executing the Immediate Value Load

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In the last stage we will have to take from the instruction register the value of 32 and dump it into register R1. So, it will give the value. So, there are basically 3 steps involved in this case extremely simple, that is fetch and after this just you require one stage in which case, the value of the instruction register immediate part will go over here.

Detailed Explanation

The final step in executing an immediate mode instruction is to transfer the immediate value (in this case, 32) from the instruction register to the designated register (R1). This is performed through a simple bus transfer, completing the instruction execution.

Examples & Analogies

This last step is like putting the ready pizza (the value 32) onto your plate (register R1) so that you can enjoy it. You've gathered everything you need, and now it's just about serving it to yourself for immediate use.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Immediate Mode: Operand is part of the instruction.

  • Direct Mode: Operand address is specified in the instruction.

  • Indirect Mode: Instruction points to an address that contains the operand.

  • Control Signals: Direct the processes within the CPU during instruction execution.

  • Micro-instructions: Basic operational steps to execute instructions.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • An example of an immediate mode instruction is LOAD R1, 32; where 32 is directly loaded into register R1.

  • A direct mode instruction, like LOAD R1, M, fetches the operand from the memory location specified by M.

  • An indirect mode example could be LOAD R1, (M); where M holds the address of the operand to be loaded into R1.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In immediate mode, the data is clear, no fetch required, that’s what you hear!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a mailman who knows the address directly — he just delivers the letter right away without checking any map, just like immediate mode.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Use 'M' for Memory, 'I' for Immediate, 'D' for Direct, 'I' for Indirect; remember those addressing modes!

🎯 Super Acronyms

For addressing modes, think of I and D

  • Immediate and Direct
  • Indirect's complexity you need.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Immediate Mode

    Definition:

    A type of addressing mode where the operand is included in the instruction itself.

  • Term: Direct Mode

    Definition:

    A mode where the instruction directly points to the memory location of the operand.

  • Term: Indirect Mode

    Definition:

    An addressing mode where the instruction provides a memory address that points to another location containing the operand.

  • Term: Microinstruction

    Definition:

    The basic operations that are executed to carry out machine-level instructions.

  • Term: Control Signals

    Definition:

    Signals that dictate the operation of the ALU and memory during instruction execution.

  • Term: Program Counter

    Definition:

    A register that contains the address of the next instruction to be executed.

  • Term: Memory Address Register (MAR)

    Definition:

    A register that holds the address of a memory location to be accessed.

  • Term: Memory Data Register (MDR)

    Definition:

    A register that temporarily holds data that is being transferred to or from memory.

  • Term: Instruction Register (IR)

    Definition:

    A register that holds the current instruction being executed.