29.3.2. Control Signals in Multiple Bus Architectures

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the primary roles of buses A, B, and C in a three-bus architecture?

   Hint

   Think about the flow of data through the system.

2. 2.

   What is the function of the ALU in this architecture?

   Hint

   Recall how operations utilize input data.

3. 3.

   What is the primary function of bus C in a three-bus architecture?

   • To read data
   • To write data back
   • To store temporary data

   Hint

   Think about where the results from operations go.

4. 4.

   True or False: In a three-bus architecture, multiple instructions can be executed at once.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how instructions are handled in a CPU.

5. 5.

   Given a set of instructions that require reading from memory, add, and write back, illustrate the flow of data in the three-bus architecture. Include which buses are used.

   Hint

   Trace the instruction cycle step by step through the buses.

6. 6.

   Discuss the impact on CPU performance when moving from a single bus to a three-bus architecture in terms of instruction execution time.

   Hint

   Consider how many cycles an instruction would undergo with one bus versus three.