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Module 2: x86 Architecture, CPU Control, I/O, Memory System Design

20152m

What is the difference between hardwired control and microprogrammed control?

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Hardwired vs Microprogrammed Control:

Hardwired Control Microprogrammed Control
Uses combinational logic, gates, flip-flops, decoders - physically wired Uses microcode stored in Control Memory (control store) - sequence of micro-instructions
Fast - propagation delay only Slower - needs microinstruction fetch from control store
Difficult to modify - requires hardware redesign to add new instruction Easy to modify - just change microcode
Complex design for complex ISA (large, inflexible) Suitable for complex CISC, easy implementation of complex instructions
RISC typically uses hardwired CISC (IBM 360, x86) often uses microprogrammed
No control memory needed Requires control memory, MPC, microinstruction sequencer

In short: Hardwired = speed, inflexible; Microprogrammed = flexibility, slower, easy to extend.

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