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Datapath and Control in Computer Systems

The document presents an overview of the datapath and control unit in computer systems, highlighting their roles in processing data and managing operations. It details the components of the datapath, such as the ALU and registers, and outlines the functions of the control unit, including fetching, decoding, and executing instructions. A step-by-step analysis of instruction execution is also provided, illustrating how these components interact during processing.

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Gil Chims Bezor Jr.
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136 views12 pages

Datapath and Control in Computer Systems

The document presents an overview of the datapath and control unit in computer systems, highlighting their roles in processing data and managing operations. It details the components of the datapath, such as the ALU and registers, and outlines the functions of the control unit, including fetching, decoding, and executing instructions. A step-by-step analysis of instruction execution is also provided, illustrating how these components interact during processing.

Uploaded by

Gil Chims Bezor Jr.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Datapath and Control in

Computer Systems

Presented by: Susan Chibuye


SIN: 1612148498
BSc ICT Systems Engineering

Date: 05/09/2025
Overview

 What is a Datapath?
 What is a Control Unit?
 Why are they important?
 Step – by – Step Analysis
Introduction

 The processor consists of 2 major components:


1. Datapath
2. Control Unit
1. What is Datapath?
 Datapath is the hardware that performs
operations on data including registers,
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), buses and
memory components.
 The datapath performs operations such as;
1. Fetch data.
2. Executing Instructions.
3. Writing results.
2. What is a Control Unit?

A control unit generates signals to manage the


data flow through the datapath.
 Datapath for each step is set up by the control
signals.
 Control signals are responsible for setting up
dataflow directions on communication buses
and select ALU and memory functions.
3. Datapath Components
 Program Counter (PC): Holds address of next
instruction.
 Registers: Holds data instruction during processing.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic
and Logic functions such as addition and subtraction
on data.
 Buses: These are internal connections used to
transfer data between different components of the
datapath.
 Multiplexers (MUX): units that select correct path
for data to move through the datapath based on
control signals.
 Data Memory: Holds program data.
4. Control Unit Functions.
 Fetch: Reads instruction from memory into
register.
 Decode: Analyze the instruction’s operation
code to determine required actions.
 Execute: Perform the operation.
 Memory access: Read and write if needed.
 Control Signals Generation: The control
unit issues signals to activate and configure
the appropriate components within the
datapath, directing the flow of data and the
required operations.
5. Step – by – step Analysis:
Instruction Execution.
1. Fetch
The control unit fetches the instruction from memory, its
address is placed on the bus.
2. Decode
The fetched instruction is decode by the control unit to
identify the operation to be performed.
3. Execute
The ALU receives signals from the control unit,
specifying the operation to perform.
4. Write back/Result
The control unit directs the result from the ALU to be
written back into destination register or to the memory.
5. Control Flow
For branch and jump instructions- the control unit
modifies the program counter to the next instructions
address.
6. Datapath Diagram
Flow from PC Instruction Memory Register file

ALU Write back

 Control Signals controlling each stage.


7. Control Unit Operation

 Recieves input from:


Instruction opcode
 Outputs:
Control signals to datapath
 Decides:
What operations each component should perform.
Q & As

Thank you

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