UK College - Unit 37: Architecture - Processor Operation Project

This project delves into the core principles of processor operations, essential for understanding computer architecture. It begins with an introduction to the CPU and its components, including the ALU and registers, and then details the fetch-execute cycle, illustrating the roles of various processor registers like the Program Counter, Memory Address Register, and Memory Buffer Register. The project then explains the function of an interrupt handler and how polling and interrupts enable communication between the processor and peripherals. A key component is the creation of a low-level program, demonstrating decision-making, branching, and I/O operations. Finally, the project explores the impact of data bus and address bus widths on processor performance and complexity, concluding with a summary of the key concepts discussed. The solution also references related literature to support the findings.

Demonstrate the principles of
processor operations
Name of the student
Name of the University
Author Note

Table of content
• Introduction
• Processor registers in the fetch execute cycle
• Explaining function of interrupt handler
• How polling and interrupts are used to allow communication between processor
and peripherals
• Creation of a low-level program that includes decision making, branching and I/O
operations
• Impact of the width of the data bus and address bus on processor performance and
complexity.
• Conclusion
• References

Introduction
• CPU can be stated as the part of the
computer which executes the given program
instruction.
• It mainly comprises of three major
components that is ALU and register.
• The control unit aims to direct movement of
electrical signal in between the memory.
• Each of the set of instruction comprises of
microcode

Different processor registers in the fetch execute
cycle
There are large number of circuits being used
at the cycle phase that are
• Program counter
• Memory Address register
• Memory Buffer Register
• Current instruction register
• Accumulator
• Status register

Interrupt Handler
• An interrupt handler or interrupt
service routine can be defined as a
function which keeps the kernel
running with respect to specific
interrupt.
• Each of the device aims to generate
interrupt which is completely
associated to interrupt handler.
• Interrupt handler for any device is
considered to be part of device driver.

Features of Interrupt handler
There are generally two goals of
interrupt handler like
• Execution at a rapid rate
• Carrying out huge amount of work.

Explaining function of interrupt handler
• Processor come up with the order and magnitude which
are much faster in comparison to hardware.
• Interrupt handler or interrupt service routine (ISR) is the
function of the kernel. It is mainly needed for running in
response for the specific interrupt.
• Each of the device aim to generate interrupt which is a
part of interrupt handler.
• In the hardware the OS services are interrupted without
any kind of delay.

Polling and interrupts are used for communication
between processor and peripherals
• Both polling and interrupt are mainly used for allowing
communication in-between processor and peripherals.
• CPU does not stop what is being done and given to
peripheral attention.
• Polling can be defined as a method by programs can be
check the overall status of the peripheral devices.
• Interrupt is a method of signaling the CPU which is
needed by peripherals attention.

Creating of a low-level program that includes
decision making, branching and I/O operations
• Here a program has been developed
where a welcome message is being
displayed to user.
• The user can make a choice in
between the ticket that is normal or
monthly.

Decision making
• Here two kind of tickets are being offered to user
that is normal and monthly.
• An example has been shown where James name
has been entered. Where ticket is ready and
monthly charges stand at 30.50 dollars.

Decision making (Contd)
• If the user selects the option of monthly, then
he or she does not need to provide his or her
name.
• As soon as, the details are provided then user
need to pay the amount and collect it from
counter.

Decision making (Cond)
• The program will provide output if and only if
valid data is being provided to them.
• User need select either of the two option for getting
any output.