Chapter 1: Instructions Flashcards

1
Q

Why do we use an assembly language?

A

This is because it is hard to remember all of the specific binary codes for different operations.

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2
Q

What is a complex Instruction set (CISC)

A

Occurs when there is a large number of instructions, all of these instructions need to be retained in order to allow old programmes to still work.

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3
Q

What is a Reduced Instruction set (RISC)

A

Normally faster hardware that has been adapted to use a small instruction set using a limited number of basic functions.

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4
Q

Disadvantages of RISC?

A

The danger with RISC architectures is that as they evolve, they transform into a CISC architecture. For example, the ARM RISC architecture initially had 46 instructions. More recently the latest processor has more like several hundred.

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5
Q

Disadvantages of CISC?

A
  • The hardware required for lots of instructions (often consisting of variable numbers of bits) is harder to design and optimize for low power operation.
  • Furthermore, some of these instructions took longer to carry out than others, making it more difficult to optimize the speed.
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