24.4. Micro Program Execution Flow

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the role of the MPC during the fetch phase?

   Hint

   Think about how instructions are accessed in a sequence.

2. 2.

   Define an Op-Code.

   Hint

   What does the Op-Code indicate?

3. 3.

   What does the Micro Program Counter (MPC) do?

   • Executes instructions
   • Points to the current micro instruction
   • Decodes instructions

   Hint

   Think about its function during the fetch process.

4. 4.

   True or False: The Op-Code directly determines which macro instruction will be executed.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the role of Op-Code in instruction processing.

5. 5.

   Given a macro instruction set with ADD, SUBTRACT, and MULTIPLY, design a micro program that optimizes common sequences and handles branching appropriately.

   Hint

   Think about how much can be shared before branches are needed.

6. 6.

   Analyze the impact of memory size on control unit performance. What strategies can be implemented to mitigate inefficiencies?

   Hint

   Consider how minimizing instruction size can help memory performance.