7.1.1. Objectives of the Module

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the four stages of an instruction cycle?

   Hint

   Think about the processes involved when a CPU handles an instruction.

2. 2.

   Define a macro instruction.

   Hint

   Consider how a complex task or command might involve several steps.

3. 3.

   What is an instruction cycle?

   • A sequence of operations executed by the CPU to carry out an instruction.
   • The time taken to access memory.
   • The number of cycles a macro instruction takes.

   Hint

   Focus on what the CPU actually does to process an instruction.

4. 4.

   True or False: A macro instruction can be executed in a single clock cycle.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Look at the definition of macro instructions.

5. 5.

   Analyze a complex macro instruction, and identify the micro instructions needed for execution. Create a flowchart to visually describe the process.

   Hint

   Break it down step by step and visualize the transitions.

6. 6.

   Given a set of micro instructions, determine how clock grouping can be applied to optimize execution time. Calculate potential time savings.

   Hint

   Consider which instructions do not interfere with one another.