20.1. Computer Organization and Architecture: A Pedagogical Aspect

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a hardwired control unit?

   Hint

   Think about how commands are implemented without changing hardware.

2. 2.

   Define microinstruction.

   Hint

   It's similar to an instruction, but much smaller.

3. 3.

   What is the main advantage of a hardwired control unit?

   • Flexibility in operations
   • Speed in processing
   • Easy to modify

   Hint

   Think about what makes a unit fast.

4. 4.

   True or False: A microprogrammed control unit can adapt to new instructions without hardware changes.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the purpose of flexibility in design.

5. 5.

   Design a microprogram that computes the factorial of a number using microinstructions. Outline the sequence of microinstructions required.

   Hint

   Use a loop of multiplication while keeping track of the current state.

6. 6.

   Discuss how a branch instruction would affect the sequencing in a microprogrammed control unit. Provide an example.

   Hint

   Think about decision-making in terms of directions.