Aptitude Engineering Mathematics Discrete Mathematics Operating System DBMS Computer
Difference between Hardwired and Micro-
programmed Control Unit | Set 2
Last Updated : 03 Oct, 2024
Prerequisite – Hardwired v/s Micro-programmed Control Unit To execute
an instruction, there are two types of control units Hardwired Control unit
and Micro-programmed control unit.
1. Hardwired control units are generally faster than microprogrammed
designs. In hardwired control, we saw how all the control signals
required inside the CPU can be generated using a state counter and a
PLA circuit.
2. A microprogrammed control unit is a relatively simple logic circuit that
is capable of (1) sequencing through microinstructions and (2)
generating control signals to execute each microinstruction.
The control unit’s implementation, whether hardwired or micro-
programmed, affects the performance and flexibility of the CPU. For a
more in-depth comparison of these two control unit types, the GATE CS
and IT – 2025 course provides comprehensive explanations and real-
world examples that will help you understand the trade-offs between
these approaches
Hardwired Control Unit Microprogrammed Control Unit
Microprogrammed control unit
Hardwired control unit generates the
generates the control signals with
control signals needed for the
the help of micro instructions
processor using logic circuits
stored in control memory
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Hardwired Control Unit Microprogrammed Control Unit
Hardwired control unit is faster when
compared to microprogrammed This is slower than the other as
control unit as the required control micro instructions are used for
signals are generated with the help of generating signals here
hardwares
Difficult to modify as the control Easy to modify as the modification
signals that need to be generated are need to be done only at the
hard wired instruction level
Less costlier than hardwired
More costlier as everything has to be control as only micro instructions
realized in terms of logic gates are used for generating control
signals
It cannot handle complex instructions
as the circuit design for it becomes It can handle complex instructions
complex
Only limited number of instructions
Control signals for many
are used due to the hardware
instructions can be generated
implementation
Used in computer that makes use of Used in computer that makes use
Reduced Instruction Set of Complex Instruction Set
Computers(RISC) Computers(CISC)
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