23.6.2. Constructing Micro-Program Components

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a micro-program?

   Hint

   Think about how low-level programming relates to hardware control.

2. 2.

   What does a decoder do?

   Hint

   Remember the relationship between binary signals and control actions.

3. 3.

   What is the key advantage of vertical micro-programming?

   • It allows multiple activations
   • It saves memory
   • It increases complexity

   Hint

   Consider what vertical approaches aim to achieve.

4. 4.

   True or False: Horizontal micro-programming requires less memory than vertical micro-programming.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how memory allocation differs in both approaches.

5. 5.

   Design a micro-program for a CPU that needs to perform adding and multiplying simultaneously without conflicts in control signals. Discuss how you would apply hybrid micro-programming principles.

   Hint

   Think about how typical CPU operations interact.

6. 6.

   Analyze a case where a purely vertical micro-program slowed a system down. Propose a solution using horizontal or hybrid methods.

   Hint

   Evaluate the speed requirements versus memory constraints.