LECTURE NOTE 4:

THE MICROPROCESSOR OPERATION

Reset

Fetch

Decode

Execute

Reset
This is the start or restart of the microprocessor operation.
Fetch
This is when the instruction pointer points to an address of the next instruction to
fetched and executed. The content of address (which is actually the OpCode)
where the IP is pointing to will be temporarily stored to the instruction register.
Until instruction decoder is available.
Decode
This is when the instruction decoder interprets the OpCode so as to determine its
equivalent instruction.
Execute
This is when the instruction will be executed. Memory is sometimes accessed
during this time for output storage. I/O devices are used to display the result of
the instruction execution.
QUESTIONS:
1. Illustrate the fetch, decode and execute cycle of the program below. Use
block diagram.
INSTRUCTIONS CONTENT/S ADDRESS/ES
MOV AX, 00CB B8CB00 ABCD-ABCF
MOV BX, 000E BB0E00 ABDO-ABD2
ADD AX, BX 03C3 ABD3-ABD4
MOV DX, 010F BA0F00 ABD5-ABD7
SUB DX, AX 2BD0 ABD8-ABD9

2. What is the importance of Operation Code in each microprocessor?

3. Is timing important in the execution of the instruction? Explain your answer.