29.2.2. Program Counter

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the Program Counter indicate?

   Hint

   Think about the sequential operation in a program.

2. 2.

   How many buses are in a three bus architecture?

   Hint

   Consider the name of the architecture.

3. 3.

   What is the main role of the Program Counter?

   • To perform arithmetic calculations
   • To hold the address of the next instruction
   • To store data temporarily

   Hint

   Consider what it means to progress through program instructions.

4. 4.

   True or False: The ALU needs to use temporary registers in a three bus architecture.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how many steps are required for an operation.

5. 5.

   Design a diagram of a three bus architecture that includes the Program Counter, ALU, and various registers. Explain the path data would take through the system.

   Hint

   Think of how each component interacts within the architecture.

6. 6.

   Comparatively analyze how instruction execution time differs between a single bus and a three bus architecture using a process flow.

   Hint

   Consider how many cycles are needed for data movement.