NAME:

REG NO:

MUGADZA TICHAKUNDA L
C13121802N

PROGRAM: BSIT

COURSE: COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND

ARCHITECTURE

LECTURER: MS MUHONDE

ASSIGNMENT 1
QUESTION 1
When we measure performance we usually mean how fast the computer carries out instructions.
The measure we use is MIPS, millions of instructions per second. They are certain
implementations that can be done to improve performance.
RESOURCES CLEANUP

Failing to cleanup resources is common cause of computer performance bottlenecks. It is advised

to make sure all resources are closed and released as soon as possible. This is particularly
important for shared and limited resources such as connections. Resources should be up to date
and free from setbacks
DATA BUS WIDTH
If word size and data bus are of the same size then data transfers is carried out in single operation
that is more efficient. A 32 bit data bus (word length) carries twice as much data as a 16 bit bus
and a 32 bit system should be faster, thus the data bus width is important in improving computer
system performance hence the organisation should look into it.
PIPELINING
Pipelining is used by virtually all modern microprocessors to enhance performance by
overlapping the execution of instructions. Pipelining improves system performance in terms of
throughput, with pipelining; the computer architecture allows the next instructions to be fetched
while the processor is performing arithmetic operations, holding them in a buffer close to the
processor until each instruction operation can perform.
MEMORY
Upgrading or adding memory usually improves system performance esp. graphics & multimedia.
Hence its another factor which the organisation should look into.
INCREASE SIZE AND SPEED OF CACHES
Is a very fast memory, speeding data transfer in a shorter fetch cycle, and can be easily done by
dedicating part of CPU chip to cache memory. Hence a lot cache memory must employed.
INCREASE HARDWARE SPEED OF PROCESSOR
This can be done by shrinking the logic gate size.

QUESTION 2 (a): HARDWIRED LOGIC AND MICRO-PROGRAMMEG CONTROL ARE

TWO APPROACHES FO MANAGING THE C.U. CLEARLY STATE HOW EACH ONE
WORKS. [6]
Hard- wired logic control
is a mechanism to generate signals instruction and using appropriate finite state machine
when implemented in correct sequence

 The control logic is implemented with gates , flip-flops, decoders and other digital
circuits
The inputs and transforms are set into control signals
They are faster due to pipeline processing
There is high speed of operation due to more compact implementation
Micro-programmed control unit:
It is implemented using programming approach
is concerned with the software
The control information is stored in a control memory
Controls the rest of the sub-systems including arithmetic and logic units ,registers ,
instruction registers, off-chip input and buses
It is less complex because it is implemented using software routines
More flexible in changing the computers operating conditions

(b) Computer engineers spend more time on software than hardware because:
Software are used to solve specific and current problems while functions of the hardware
are almost the same
Software can be modified during creation or add new features after creation while
hardware requires manufacturing of new chips
Software replacement is easier than manufacturing and installation of
new chips
It is cheaper to develop a software than hardware as it requires less
resources while hardware which requires vast of raw materials

(c) FETCH-DECODE CYCLE

Fetching the instruction

The instruction is fetched from the memory address that is current and stored in the
Program Counter (PC), and stored in the Instruction Register (IR).
The instructions are retrieved from hard drive , the RAM , the cache of
the register and other memory devices

Decode of instruction

The instructions inside the Instruction Register (IR) are interpreted by the decoder.

Execution of instructions

The control unit passes the decoded information as a sequence of control signals to the
relevant function units of the CPU
ALU performs mathematical or logic functions and writing the result
back to a register.
condition signal is then send back to the CPU
The result generated by the operation is stored in the main memory, or
sent to an output device
program counter may be updated to the different address from which the next instruction
will be fetched
The process is continuous until the computer is turned off or when there are no more
instructions to process
HALT instruction stops the process

QUESTION 3 (a) Two Processor manufactures

INTEL
AMD(Advanced Micro Devices)
(b) Using the 80x86 microprocessor as an e.g., outline the importance of having a sound design
of the instruction set architecture
An instruction set is the structure of a computer a machine language programmer (or a
compiler) must understand to write a correct (timing independent) program for that
machine
Flexible and powerful
-this enables the ISA to be used on modern machines. For example an
80x86 micro-processor is able to be used with modern machines with
the loop instructions.

 Complexity
-it must be easy to be coded by assembly programmers and compiler writers who will be
using the chip upon introduction. For example an 80x86 micro-processor must leave
room for expansion, allowing it to accommodate new features in future
Reduced costs
- The ISA must shave more features and use fewer transistors, thus lowering the CPUs
cost. For example an 80x86 micro-processor with at most 30000 transistors would cost
less
More complex instructions
- An ISA must hold more complex instructions. For example an 80x86
micro-processor is now a 64 bit instruction ISA which result in a much
quicker CPU