ASSIGNMENT NO 01
SUBMITTED TO:
MAM SANA TARIQ
SUBMITTED BY:
Ali Haider
(248369)
COURSE CODE:
3(2-1)
COURSE TITTLE:
Computer Architecture
GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF FSD
1. Processor Design
(a) Role of Control Unit and ALU
The Control Unit (CU) is responsible for managing the flow of instructions within the
processor. It interprets program instructions, generates control signals, and coordinates the
execution of operations. The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations
and logical operations, such as addition, subtraction, AND, OR, and comparisons, making it the
core computational component of a processor.
Advantages:
Ensures efficient execution of instructions.
ALU provides fast mathematical and logical processing.
CU coordinates tasks effectively to optimize performance.
Disadvantages:
Complex control units can slow down processing.
ALU operations are limited by the architecture’s instruction set.
(b) Hardwired vs. Microprogrammed Control Units
Hardwired Control: Uses fixed logic circuits to control signals directly. It is fast and
efficient but difficult to modify or update.
Microprogrammed Control: Uses a set of instructions stored in a control memory to
generate control signals. It is flexible and easier to modify but slower due to memory
access delays.
Advantages of Microprogrammed Control:
Easy to modify and update with new instructions.
Simplifies the design of complex processors.
Disadvantages of Microprogrammed Control:
Slower than hardwired control due to memory access time.
Requires more memory to store microinstructions.
(c) Pipelining and Its Impact
Pipelining is a technique where multiple instruction stages (fetch, decode, execute, etc.) are
processed simultaneously, improving overall performance. It enhances CPU efficiency and
throughput but may introduce hazards such as data dependencies and control conflicts that
require solutions like instruction reordering and branch prediction.
Advantages:
Ensures efficient execution of instructions.
ALU provides fast mathematical and logical processing.
CU coordinates tasks effectively to optimize performance.
Disadvantages:
Complex control units can slow down processing.
ALU operations are limited by the architecture’s instruction set.
2. Instruction Set Design
(a) Key Factors in Instruction Set Design
Instruction Length: Affects processing speed and memory efficiency.
Number of Instructions: More instructions improve functionality but increase
complexity.
Addressing Modes: Provide different ways to access data efficiently.
Data Types Supported: Include integers, floating-point numbers, and vectors.
Instruction Encoding: Impacts how instructions are stored and decoded.
Advantages:
Well-designed instruction sets improve processing efficiency.
Reduces the number of required instructions for complex tasks.
Disadvantages:
Complex instruction sets can lead to increased CPU design costs.
Poor instruction design can cause inefficient execution.
(b) RISC vs. CISC Architectures
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): Uses a small, optimized set of
instructions. Focuses on simplicity, uniform instruction length, and high-speed execution.
Example: ARM processors.
Advantages of RISC:
Faster execution due to simpler instructions.
Requires less power, making it ideal for mobile devices.
Disadvantages of RISC:
Requires more RAM as instructions are broken into simpler steps.
Some complex tasks require multiple simple instructions.
CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer): Uses a large, complex set of instructions
that can perform multiple tasks in a single operation. It reduces the number of
instructions per program but increases execution time per instruction. Example: Intel x86
processors.
Advantages of CISC:
Reduces the number of instructions needed for a program.
Can handle complex tasks with fewer instructions.
Disadvantages of CISC:
Slower execution due to complex instruction processing.
Requires more power, making it less suitable for mobile devices.
(c) Role of Instruction Formats and Encoding
Instruction formats define how instructions are structured, including opcode, operands, and
addressing mode. Encoding determines how instructions are represented in binary, influencing
memory efficiency and processing speed.
Advantages:
Optimized encoding reduces memory usage.
Well-structured instruction formats improve execution speed.
Disadvantages:
Poor encoding can lead to inefficient memory usage.
Complex formats can slow down instruction decoding.
3. Addressing Modes
(a) Importance of Addressing Modes
Addressing modes define how operands are accessed in memory, improving flexibility and
efficiency in instruction execution.
(b) Types of Addressing Modes
1. Immediate Addressing: The operand is specified directly in the instruction.
o Example: MOV R1, #10 (Moves the value 10 into register R1)
Direct Addressing: The operand’s memory address is specified in the instruction.
o Example: MOV R1, 2000H (Moves data from memory location 2000H to R1)
Indirect Addressing: The instruction specifies a register that holds the address of the
operand.
o Example: MOV R1, [R2] (Moves data from the memory location stored in R2 to
R1)
2. Indexed Addressing: The effective address is calculated using a base register and an
offset value.
o Example: MOV R1, [R2+5] (Moves data from memory location at R2+5 to R1)
(c) Example Analysis: ADD R1, [R2+5]
This instruction uses Indexed Addressing. The effective address is computed as R2 + 5, and the
value stored at this memory location is fetched and added to R1.
Advantages:
Allows efficient memory utilization.
Enhances instruction flexibility.
Disadvantages:
Some modes increase instruction complexity.
Improper use can slow down execution speed.
4. Case Study: Intel Core i9
The Intel Core i9 is a high-performance processor designed for demanding applications such as
gaming, content creation, and professional workloads. It features multi-core architecture, high
clock speeds, and hyper-threading technology to maximize efficiency.
Processor Design
The Core i9 employs x86-64 architecture with features like out-of-order execution,
speculative execution, and hyper-threading to enhance performance. It utilizes Turbo Boost
technology, dynamically increasing clock speed based on workload demand.
Instruction Set
The processor supports the x86-64 instruction set, including SIMD (Single Instruction,
Multiple Data) extensions like AVX-512 for high-speed parallel processing in AI, machine
learning, and graphics applications.
Addressing Features
The Intel Core i9 includes memory virtualization technologies like Intel VT-x for efficient
memory management in virtualized environments. It supports advanced addressing techniques,
optimizing memory access for faster performance.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i9 offers a balance of speed, power, and efficiency, making it a suitable choice
for high-performance computing tasks requiring multi-threading and advanced memory
management.
