INEL 4215: Computer Architecture and Organization
Lecture notes,
Lecture 5
Chapter 2: Machines, Machine Languages,
and Digital Logic
2.1 Classification of Computers and their instructions
Classify according to main memory and CPU registers
Main memory – array of data units having the smallest size that is accessible using the machine instruction set. Almost always 8-bit-byte
CPU registers – Special purpose registers
Different sizes & types of data.
Example:
Classification according to structure and function of registers in CPU
1. Accumulator
machines – limited number of data accumulators (usually one) and address
registers within CPU.
accumulators →
address of operand and result of operation are saved on the same accumulator
register.
\
→ Only one address was specified
in opcode (1-address machines)
Old structure – very limited (what would happen if we try to solve arithmetic
expressions with many terms)
Example: Motorola M6800 and Intel 8086.