the_multi-cycle_cpu
Table of Contents
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