Microprocessor Architecture - Essay Example

The Pioneer is intended as a 32-bit RISC processor. It has 32 general purpose registers which can be used for calculations. It can address 32 bit address space (4GB). On the other hand the MARIE architecture has a 16-bit CISC architecture. The Machine Architecture that is Really Intuitive and Easy, MARIE, was designed for the singular purpose of illustrating basic computer system concepts. While this system is too simple to do anything useful in the real world, a deep understanding of its functions will enable you to comprehend system architectures that are much more complex.

Binary, twos complement data representation. Stored program fixed word length data and instructions. 4K words of word-addressable main memory, 16-bit data words, and 16-bit instructions 4 for the op-code and 12 for the address, a 16-bit arithmetic logic unit (ALU). Seven registers for control and data movement. Pioneer has an Input register size of size 32-bit and 32 possible outputs for out put. The “Y” bus may alternatively carry immediate data, created by a 16-bit value that may come from the instruction.

Once the “X” and “Y” busses have data on them, any of the computational units my access that data and perform calculations on that data. Once the computational unit has accomplished the calculation, the result is placed on the “results” internal data bus, and a register in the register set may load the calculated value. The Address Generator is used to generate addresses, which can be used to access data within memory MEM [address]. It can be used as an index register. The address generator has the ability to adjust the index registers according to various controls and other registers (“Modify” registers) within the Address Generator.

While MARIE has 8-bit input and 8-bit output register. Many have asked why should build an emulated MARIE computer when an excellent assembler, simulator, and data path simulator