7.5.2. Design Objective

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the four main stages of an instruction cycle?

   Hint

   Think about the acronym FDE-S.

2. 2.

   What is a macro instruction?

   Hint

   Consider how it relates to complex tasks in programs.

3. 3.

   What order do the stages of instruction cycles follow?

   • Fetch
   • Execute
   • Decode
   • Store
   • Fetch
   • Decode
   • Execute
   • Store
   • Decode
   • Fetch
   • Execute

   Hint

   Use the acronym FDE-S to recall the order.

4. 4.

   True or False: Micro instructions are always executed in multiple clock cycles.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how micro instructions differ from macro instructions.

5. 5.

   Design a micro instruction breakdown for a complex macro instruction like 'LOAD A, 3030'. Include considerations for both direct and indirect addressing.

   Hint

   Use the steps of fetching, decoding, and loading to structure your breakdown.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how the understanding of instruction cycles can lead to better optimization strategies in designing a new CPU architecture.

   Hint

   Think about how improving one area of the cycle could impact overall CPU performance.