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Instruction Cycle in Computer Architecture

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Introduction
The instruction cycle is a basic computer system that deals with the central processor unit's
core operations. It is also known as the fetch-decode-execute cycle, is a fundamental concept
in computer architecture and microprocessor operation. It represents the series of steps that a
computer's central processing unit (CPU) goes through to execute a single machine
instruction.

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What is the Instruction Cycle?

The instruction cycle is defined as the basic cycle in which a computer system fetches an
instruction from memory, decodes it, and then executes it. Fetch-Execute-Cycle is another
name for it. All instructions in a computer system are executed in the RAM of the computer
system. The CPU is in charge of carrying out the instruction.

Each instruction cycle in a basic computer includes the following procedures:

It has the ability to retrieve instructions from memory.

It's used to decode the command.
If the instruction has an indirect address, it can read the effective address from memory.
It is capable of carrying out the command.

The instruction cycle is divided into five stages, which are described below:

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Initiating Cycle
During this phase, the computer system boots up and the Operating System loads into the
central processing unit's main memory. It begins when the computer system starts.

Fetching of Instruction
The first phase is instruction retrieval. Each instruction executed in a central processing unit
uses the fetch instruction. During this phase, the central processing unit sends the PC to MAR
and then the READ instruction to a control bus. After sending a read instruction on the data
bus, the memory returns the instruction that was stored at that exact address in the memory.
The CPU then copies data from the data bus into MBR, which it then copies to registers. The
pointer is incremented to the next memory location, allowing the next instruction to be
fetched from memory.

Decoding of Instruction
The second phase is instruction decoding. During this step, the CPU determines which
instruction should be fetched from the instruction and
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instruction. The instruction's opcode is also retrieved from memory, and it decodes the related
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Read of an Effective Address

The third phase is the reading of an effective address. The operation's decision is made
during this phase. Any memory type operation or non-memory type operation can be used.
Direct memory instruction and indirect memory instruction are the two types of memory
instruction available.

Execution of Instruction
The last step is to carry out the instructions. The instruction is finally carried out at this stage.
The instruction is carried out, and the result is saved in the register. The CPU gets prepared
for the execution of the next instruction after the completion of each instruction. The execution
time of each instruction is calculated, and this information is used to determine the
processor's processing speed.

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Different Instruction Cycles

The concept of instruction cycles is integral to understanding how a computer's central
processing unit (CPU) executes instructions. Here's an explanation of each of these cycles:

Fetch Cycle
Description: The fetch cycle is the initial stage of the instruction cycle. It involves retrieving the
next instruction from memory.
Operation: The CPU uses the program counter (PC) to access the memory location where the
next instruction is stored. The instruction is fetched and placed in the instruction register (IR).
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 Purpose: This cycle ensures that the CPU has the next instruction ready for decoding and
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Indirect Cycle
Description: The indirect cycle is sometimes required when instructions involve accessing
memory locations that contain addresses or pointers to the actual data.
Operation: During this cycle, the CPU may use an address obtained from the previous
instruction to access another memory location, which holds the data or another address to be
used in the next cycle.
Purpose: The indirect cycle enables the CPU to follow memory references and retrieve the
actual data required for execution.

Execute Cycle
Description: The execute cycle is where the central processing unit performs the operation
specified by the decoded instruction.
Operation: The CPU carries out arithmetic computations, logical operations, data transfers, or
any other actions as dictated by the instruction. This may involve accessing data from
registers or memory, performing calculations, and updating registers or memory locations.
Purpose: The execution stage accomplishes the intended operation and is where the actual
work of the instruction takes place.

Interrupt Cycle
Description: The interrupt cycle comes into play when an external event or condition triggers
an interrupt, causing the CPU to temporarily suspend its current execution to handle the
interrupt request.
Operation: The CPU saves its current state (program counter and other relevant information)
before jumping to an interrupt service routine (ISR). After servicing the interrupt, the CPU may
restore its state and continue execution.
Purpose: Interrupt cycles enable a CPU to respond to external events or asynchronous inputs
promptly without losing important data or program context.

Uses of Different Instruction Cycles

The different instruction cycles (fetch, indirect, execute, and interrupt) in a computer's
operation have different purposes and applications, ensuring efficient and responsive
processing. Here are the uses of each instruction cycle:

Fetch Cycle
Use: Retrieving the next instruction from memory.
Application: Essential for the sequential execution of program instructions, ensuring the CPU
has the next instruction ready for decoding and execution.
Example: Fetching the opcode of the next instruction from memory to be decoded and
executed.

Indirect Cycle
Use: Handling instructions that involve accessing memory locations containing addresses or
pointers.
Application: Facilitates memory referencing, allowing the CPU to navigate through multiple
levels of indirection to access the actual data or instructions.
Example: Accessing data through a memory location that contains a pointer to the actual
data's location.

Execute Cycle
Use: Performing the operation specified by the decoded instruction.
Application: Where the actual computation or data manipulation occurs, making it the heart
of instruction execution.
Example: Carrying out arithmetic calculations, logical operations, data transfers, or any
actions dictated by the instruction.

Interrupt Cycle
Use: Handling external events or requests for interrupting the CPU's current execution.
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Example: Responding to a keyboard input interrupt, saving the CPU's current state, and
invoking an interrupt service routine (ISR).

Why do we Need an Instruction Cycle?

The instruction cycle of a computer system is necessary for understanding the flow of
instructions and the execution of an instruction in a computer processor.
It is responsible for the complete flow of instructions from the start of the computer system
through its shutdown. The instruction cycle helps to understand the internal flow of the
central processing unit, allowing any faults to be immediately resolved.
It deals with a computer processor's basic operations and demands a detailed understanding
of the many steps involved.
All instructions for the computer processor system follow the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
Also read, microprogrammed control unit

Importance of Instruction Cycle

The instructions are the basic activities conducted in the main memory of the central
processing unit. That is why they are so crucial to the processor system.
It's a set of stages that helps us to understand how instruction flows. The instruction cycle
allows the computer processor to see the sequence of instructions from start to finish.
It is common for all instruction sets to require a thorough understanding to perform all
operations efficiently.
The processing time of a programme can be easily calculated using the instruction cycle,
which aids in determining the processor's speed.
The processor's speed determines how many instructions can be executed simultaneously in
the central processing unit.

Advantages of Instruction Cycle

Efficiency: The fetch-decode-execute cycle, consisting of instruction cycles, allows CPUs to
execute instructions sequentially and efficiently, ensuring that each instruction is processed in
a well-defined manner.
Flexibility: CPUs can handle a wide range of instructions, from arithmetic operations to data
transfers, by following the execution cycle for each instruction type.
Control Flow: The instruction cycle controls the flow of program execution, advancing to the
next instruction after each cycle, allowing for precise execution and program control.
Responsiveness: CPUs can quickly respond to external events and handle interrupts or
exceptions using the interrupt cycle, making them versatile and suitable for various tasks.

Disadvantages of Instruction Cycle

Clock Speed: The speed of instruction execution is often constrained by the system's clock
speed, limiting the number of instructions that can be executed in a given time period.
Pipeline Stalls: In pipelined architectures, where multiple instructions are processed
simultaneously, issues like pipeline stalls can lead to inefficiencies if instructions depend on
one another.
Resource Limitations: CPU execution is subject to resource limitations, such as the
availability of registers, memory access times, and cache sizes, which can affect performance.
Instruction Set Limitations: CPUs are limited by their instruction set architectures (ISAs),
which may not include certain specialized instructions or features required for specific
applications.
Complexity: The fetch-decode-execute cycle is an intricate process, and the complexity of
instruction execution can lead to design challenges and potential errors in the processor's
microarchitecture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Instruction cycle?

The instruction cycle is defined as the basic cycle in which a computer system fetches an
instruction from memory, decodes it, and then executes it.

What is five stage instruction cycle?

The five-stage instruction cycle, or pipeline, is a CPU processing model consisting of five
stages: fetch, decode, execute, memory, and write-back. It enhances CPU efficiency by
parallelizing instruction processing.

Why is instruction cycle important? Login

The instruction cycle is essential as it defines how a CPU processes and executes instructions
in a structured and controlled manner, ensuring accurate and efficient program execution.

What are the steps of the instructional cycle?

The steps involve in the instructional cycle are Initiating Cycle, fetching the instruction i.e CPU
sends PC to MAR and then reads the instruction. The next is to decode the instructions. In this
CPU determines which instruction should be fetched and its action. It includes decoding and
reading an effective address. The last step is the execution of the instruction.

What is the instruction cycle and machine cycle?

The instruction cycle and the machine cycle are both the process of computer architecture.
These are involved in the execution of instructions by a CPU. In the instruction cycle, it follows
a series of steps to execute the instruction whereas in the machine cycle, it is composed of
several sub-cycles which depend on the CPU architecture.

Conclusion
In this blog, we have thoroughly discussed on Instruction Cycle in Computer Architecture. We
also learned about different instruction cycles, the uses of different instruction cycles, their
needs, and their importance. Later in the end we discussed the advantages and
disadvantages of the instruction Cycle in Computer Architecture.

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