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the_multi-cycle_cpu

The Multi-Cycle CPU

This lecture covers the design and implementation of the MIPS CPU using a multi-cycle approach. This implementation addresses the two main faults of the single-cycle CPU by eliminating hardware redundancy on the chip and starting the next instruction immediately after the current one completes its execution (rather than waiting a fixed amount of time based on the slowest instruction).

Outline

  • Performing PC+4 using the main ALU
  • Performing PC+4 + 4*Label using the main ALU
  • Adding registers to hold intermediate data
  • Combining the two memory units
  • Issuing the control signals for State #0
  • Doing something useful in State #1
  • Instruction-dependent states

Big Ideas

  • Using a variable CPI (Cycle Per Instruction) to address the “catering for the slowest” criticism.
  • Merging hardware units to address the “redundant, and thus too hot hardware” criticism.

Slides from Lecture

To Do

  • Read Section 5.5 of the textbook (5.4 in the old edition).
  • Do the multi-cycle exercises accessible through the Resource page.
the_multi-cycle_cpu.txt · Last modified: 2007/11/16 07:15 by roumani