chapter 12

What is an Instruction Set and what is its main function?

• instructs the CPU on how to perform specific operations.

• Within the computer each instruction is represented by a sequence of

  bits

• A common form of data is text or character strings

• Most commonly used character code is the International Reference

  Alphabet (IRA)

What is the purpose of a CPU cache?

• To increase the size of the CPU

• To cool down the CPU during operation

• To store frequently accessed data and instructions for quick access

• To act as a secondary processor

What is the function of a GPU in a computer system?

• To handle graphics processing tasks efficiently

• To manage the power supply of the computer

• To store data temporarily

• To control the cooling fans

What is the role of a motherboard in a computer?

• To provide power to the computer

• To connect and communicate between all the components of the computer

• To display images on the screen

• To store all the data permanently

What is the most important characteristic of a command set?

• Another code used to encode characters is the Extended Binary Coded

  Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC)

• If floating-point operations are implemented in software

• the size of the instruction set, that is, the number of bits that each instruction occupies in memory.

• extract the

  rightmost 4 bits of each byte

How can one set of commands be distinguished from other sets of commands?

• Each instruction has a special opcode, and fields (operands) that can provide information about data and operands.

• The command sets are indistinguishable from each other, they are exactly the same.

• These are provided for signed integer (fixed-point)

  numbers

• Often they are also provided for floating-point and

  packed decimal numbers

Describes the main parts of a command in a set of commands.

• Other possible operations include a variety of

  single-operand instructions:

• Instructions do not have opcodes; they only contain information about operands.

• Each instruction only includes operand fields.

• An instruction usually includes an opcode, operands, and other fields depending on the specific architecture.

Why is understanding the functions of an Instruction Set important in hardware and software development?

• Instruction Set is not related to software development; it only affects hardware.

• Understanding the Instruction Set helps developers optimize machine code, design efficient hardware, and develop more effective software.

• Understanding the Instruction Set is only important for software and has no impact on hardware.

Explain the connection between Instruction Set and computer architecture.

• a crucial part of computer architecture, as it comprises rules and protocols for the CPU to execute specific tasks.

• Instruction Set has no connection with computer architecture; they are entirely independent.

• Computer architecture does not rely on Instruction Set to function.

• Reasons why transfer-of-control operations are required

How can an Instruction Set impact the performance of a computer system?

• Instruction Set can affect performance through the ability to perform tasks, the size of machine code, and compatibility with hardware and software.

• It helps if there are mechanisms for breaking the task up into smaller pieces

  that can be worked on one at a time

• nstruction Set does not impact performance; it's just a theoretical concept.

• The performance of the system does not depend on the Instruction Set; it only relies on CPU speed.