18. Unit Summary
The chapter outlines the design of a hardwired control unit, emphasizing the generation of control signals through a dedicated hardware approach. It contrasts this method with software-based microprogramming while underscoring the importance of finite state machines in this implementation for controlling CPU operations. The unit objectives highlight the ability to design finite state machines based on macro instructions and to associate control signals with corresponding micro instructions.
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What we have learnt
- Control signals are generated based on finite state machines corresponding to micro instructions.
- The design of a hardwired control unit allows for fast signal processing but lacks flexibility.
- Understanding of digital design fundamentals is necessary to implement finite state machines using gates and flip-flops.
Key Concepts
- -- Hardwired Control Unit
- A control unit where the control signals are generated by a finite state machine that is hardcoded, leading to fast but inflexible design.
- -- Finite State Machine (FSM)
- A computational model used to design control units that transitions between different states based on input signals, producing outputs that control various operations.
- -- Micro Instruction
- A lower-level instruction that corresponds to a macro instruction, dictating specific control signals necessary for executing operations in the CPU.
- -- Control Signals
- Signals generated by the control unit that dictate the operations of the CPU and memory components.
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