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Labwork1 Memory-Access

This document discusses memory access in microprocessor systems using assembly language. It provides examples of using registers like BX and SI to access different memory locations. Variables can be stored in memory and accessed using offsets or addresses. Interrupts are also discussed, listing several types like NMI, IRQ, and DMA interrupts. Assembly language uses mnemonics to represent low-level CPU instructions and allows direct access to registers and memory addresses.

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PASALO CHRISTIAN JAY F.
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© © All Rights Reserved
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28 views

Labwork1 Memory-Access

This document discusses memory access in microprocessor systems using assembly language. It provides examples of using registers like BX and SI to access different memory locations. Variables can be stored in memory and accessed using offsets or addresses. Interrupts are also discussed, listing several types like NMI, IRQ, and DMA interrupts. Assembly language uses mnemonics to represent low-level CPU instructions and allows direct access to registers and memory addresses.

Uploaded by

PASALO CHRISTIAN JAY F.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEMS

NAME: __________________________________ SUBJECT CODE: _____

LABORATORY WORK NO. 1


MEMORY ACCESS
I. OBJECTIVE(S):
- to access memory we can use these four registers: BX, SI, DI, BP. combining these
registers inside [ ] symbols, we can get different memory locations.

II. THEORIES:
1. MOV instruction –

SAMPLE PROGRAM:

ORG 100h
MOV AX, 0B800h
MOV DS, AX ; copy value of AX to DS.
MOV CL, 'B'
MOV CH, 1101_1111b
MOV BX, 15Eh.
MOV [BX], CX
RET

OUTPUT EMULATOR SCREEN:

2. Variables, Arrays and Constant –

SAMPLE PROGRAM:

ORG 100h

MOV AL, var1

MOV BX, var2

RET

VAR1 DB 7

var2 DW 1234h
OUTPUT EMULATOR SCREEN:

3. Getting the Address of a Variable -

SAMPLE PROGRAM:

ORG 100h

DB 0A0h

DB 08h

DB 01h

DB 8Bh

DB 1Eh

DB 09h

DB 01h

DB 0C3h

DB 7

DB 34h

DB 12h
OUTPUT EMULATOR SCREEN:

4. Interrupts -

SAMPLE PROGRAM:

ORG 100h

MOV AL,VAR1

MOV BX,OFFSET VAR1

MOV BYTE PTR[BX], 44h

MOV AL,VAR1

K EQU 5

MOV AX, K

ret

VAR1 DB 22h

END
OUTPUT EMULATOR SCREEN:

5. Library of common functions - emu8086.inc


SAMPLE PROGRAM:
mov al, 1
mov bh, 0
mov bl, 0011b
mov cx, msg1end - offset msg1
mov dl, 10
mov dh, 7
push cs
pop es
mov bp, offset msg1
mov ah, 13h
int 10h
jmp msg1end
msg1 db "hello,world"
msg1end:
OUTPUT EMULATOR SCREEN:
III. QUESTIONS.
1. List of supported Interrupts and their definitions.
2. What are the two types of variables supported by the EMU 8086 compiler?
3. Differentiate a variable over a constant over an array.
4. What is an assembly language?
5. Enumerate how many ways Variable can be viewed in any numbering system.

 ANSWERS:

1.Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI):

Definition: A high-priority interrupt that cannot be disabled or ignored. It is typically used for critical
system events or hardware failures.

Machine Check Exception (MCE):

Definition: An interrupt triggered by hardware to indicate a severe hardware error or malfunction. It is


often used for detecting issues like memory corruption or CPU errors.

Page Fault Interrupt:

Definition: Occurs when a program tries to access a memory page that is not currently in physical RAM.
The operating system must handle this interrupt by loading the required page into memory.

External Interrupts (IRQ):

Definition: External hardware devices, such as keyboards, mice, or network adapters, can generate
interrupts to notify the processor that they require attention.

Software Interrupt (INT):

Definition: Generated by software to request a service from the operating system or to perform a system
call. It allows user programs to request privileged operations.

System Call Interrupt (SYSCALL):

Definition: Similar to a software interrupt, it is used by user programs to request services from the
operating system. It is a specific type of software interrupt dedicated to system calls.

Trap Interrupt:

Definition: Similar to a software interrupt but used for debugging and error-handling purposes. It allows
the execution of a specific routine or service.

Timer Interrupt:

Definition: Generated by a timer or clock device at regular intervals. It is often used for implementing
multitasking and time-related operations.

DMA (Direct Memory Access) Interrupt:

Definition: Generated by the DMA controller to signal the completion of a data transfer between devices
and memory without involving the CPU.
2. Register Variables:

Definition: Register variables are stored in CPU registers. In x86 assembly language, registers are fast,
low-level storage locations directly accessible by the processor.

Characteristics: Register variables have a limited size and are used for temporary storage during the
execution of a program. Common x86 registers include AX, BX, CX, DX, SI, DI, etc.

Usage: Register variables are suitable for small, short-lived data that doesn't need to persist beyond a
specific block of code.

Memory Variables:

Definition: Memory variables are stored in the computer's memory (RAM). They have a larger storage
capacity compared to registers but are generally slower to access.

Characteristics: Memory variables can persist across different parts of the program and are suitable for
storing larger amounts of data. Memory variables can be accessed through their memory addresses.

Usage: Memory variables are used for data that needs to retain its value across function calls, loops, or
other program blocks.

3. A variable is a mutable storage location used for changing data, a constant is an immutable named
value, and an array is a collection of elements of the same type, accessible by indices. The choice
between using a variable, constant, or array depends on the nature of the data and how it needs to be
managed in the program.

4. Mnemonic Codes: Assembly language uses mnemonics (short codes) that are more readable and
easier to remember than raw binary machine code. Each mnemonic corresponds to a specific machine
language instruction.

Registers and Memory Addresses: Assembly language instructions often involve the use of registers
(small, fast storage locations within the CPU) and memory addresses. Programmers can directly
manipulate data stored in registers and memory.

Low-Level Operations: Assembly language provides a direct representation of the low-level operations of
a computer's central processing unit (CPU). Instructions often map closely to the machine instructions
executed by the CPU.

Platform-Specific: Assembly language is closely tied to a specific computer architecture or processor.


Programs written in assembly language are generally not portable across different architectures without
modification.

Direct Control over Hardware: Programmers writing in assembly language have a high level of control
over the computer's hardware. They can fine-tune programs for performance and access specific
hardware features.

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