Module 2 Introduction to x86
Architecture
Design of control Unit
Types of Control Unit
• Hardwired Control Unit:
– When the control signals are generated by
hardware using conventional logic design
techniques, the control unit is said to be hardwired.
• Micro programmed control unit:
– A control unit whose binary control variables are
stored in memory is called a control memory.
– Timing and control signals are generated by control
unit.
Control Memory
• The function of the control unit in a digital computer is to initiate sequences of
microoperations.
• The control function that specifies a microoperation is a binary variable.
• When it is in one binary state, the corresponding rnicrooperation is executed. i.e.
During any given time, certain microoperations are to be initiated, while others
remain idle.
• The control variables at any given time can be represented by a string of l's and
O's called a control word.
• control words can be programmed to perform various operations on the
components of the system.
• A control unit who binary control variables are stored in memory is called a
microprogrammed control unit.
• .
Microinstruction and Microprogram
• Each word in control memory contains within it a microinstruction .
• The microinstruction specifies one or more microoperations for the
system.
• A sequence of microinstructions constitutes a microprogram
• Since alterations of the microprogram are not needed once the control
unit is in operation, the control memory can be a read-only memory
(ROM).
Microprogrammed Control Organization
• The next address generator is sometimes called a microprogram sequencer,
as it determines the address sequence that is read from control memory.
• The address of the next microinstruction can be specified in several ways,
depending
• on the sequencer inputs.
• control memory address register specifies the address of the microinstruction
• control data register holds the present microinstruction while the next
address is computed and read from memory.
Address Sequencing
• An initial address is loaded into the control address register when power is
turned on in the computer. This address is usually the address of the first
microinstruction that activates the instruction fetch routine.
• Address sequencing capabilities required in a control memory are:
– 1. Incrementing of the control address register.
– 2. Unconditional branch or conditional branch, depending on status
bit conditions.
– 3. A mapping process from the bits of the instruction to an address for
control memory.
– 4. A facility for subroutine call and return.
Assignment
• Difference between hardwired and Microprogrammed Control
Unit.
