Discussion Forum unit 5

University of the People

CS1104: Computer systems

Instructor: Raval Dipakkumar

May 11, 2022

1.- What are the implications of this architecture?

Not having data and instructions stored in the same space means that the instructions
of the computer will need a special format. This format allows the decoder to know if
the current instructions are directed to the data memory device or the instructions
device. Let's propose an example to make this a little clearer.

Let's propose an 8-bit instruction where the first two bits tell the decoder from which
device it should retrieve the information; the rest of the bits are the address of the
register itself. 

  01     000101

Device Address

In this case :

00 = The Instructions Device

01 = The Data Memory Device

10, 11 = Other Devices. 

By separating the data from the instructions, it means the computer architecture must
have a unique way of referring to each of these devices. If one single device was used to
store both, all mentioned above could be avoided; hence making the computer
implementation more efficient. 
00 could be the device that stores both instructions and data. Consequently, we no
longer need the 01 device name, the 01-bit pattern could be used by other memory
devices or I/O ports. In case we use the 00 device to store both, to access an instructions
region or a data region, the address specification comes into play. For example from
address 000001 to address 011111 you access a data register and from address 100000
to address 111111 you access an instruction register. In my opinion, it is best to store
both data and instructions on the same device. 

00 000010 Data Register

00 100001 Instruction Register

2.- Discuss the difference between RISC and CISC architecture. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each architecture?

The difference between both architectures comes in terms of the instructions they use.
RISC focuses on “a simple collection and highly customized set of instructions”
(JavaTPoint, 2022). In other words, instructions are simple and are executed at a fast
pace. RISC architectures try to solve complex problems by dividing the situation at hand
into many simple easy instructions. Actually, instructions are so simple that there is not
one instruction that requires more than one clock cycle to be executed (JavaTPoint,
2022). On the other hand, CISC architectures focus on “a large collection of complex
instructions that range from simple to very complex and specialized in the assembly
language level, which takes a long time to execute the instructions” (JavaTPoint, 2022).
In other words, CISC architectures try to achieve efficiency by fetching instructions that
do much more than simple instructions. Instead of executing 10 small orders, you
execute only 1 order that does the same. The approach of each is a little different yet
each has its advantages and disadvantages. 

Advantages of RISC:

1. “The RISC processor's performance is better due to the simple and limited
number of the instruction set” (JavaTPoint, 2022).
 2. It is cheaper to Design. 
3. Can use pipeline execution. 

Disadvantages of RISC:

1. The RISC processor's performance may vary depending on the code executed. 
2. RISC processors require very fast memory. 

Advantages of CISC:

1. “The compiler requires little effort to translate high-level programs or statement

languages into assembly or machine language” (JavaTPoint, 2022).
2. Does much more with fewer instructions. 

Disadvantages of CISC:

1. Normally CISC chips are slower.

2. It is difficult to use pipeline execution. 

Reference:

JavaTPoint. (2022). Difference Between RISC and CISC. 

JavaTPoint. https://www.javatpoint.com/risc-vs-cisc