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CISC Vs RISC Processors

The document compares CISC and RISC processors. CISC processors aim to complete tasks using as few instructions as possible, resulting in more complex hardware that can execute complex instructions like MULT in multiple clock cycles. In contrast, RISC processors use simpler instructions that complete in a single clock cycle, requiring less complex hardware. While CISC processors are still used in PCs and laptops, RISC architectures have become popular in portable devices due to their lower energy requirements.

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16 views2 pages

CISC Vs RISC Processors

The document compares CISC and RISC processors. CISC processors aim to complete tasks using as few instructions as possible, resulting in more complex hardware that can execute complex instructions like MULT in multiple clock cycles. In contrast, RISC processors use simpler instructions that complete in a single clock cycle, requiring less complex hardware. While CISC processors are still used in PCs and laptops, RISC architectures have become popular in portable devices due to their lower energy requirements.

Uploaded by

gcoopsey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CISC Vs RISC Processor:

What is the Instruction Set:


Set of all instructions written in machine code that can be recognised and executed by a
given processing unit / CPU.
 CISC: Complex Instruction Set Computer
 RISC: Reduced Instruction Set Computer

 To perform any arithmetic action on binary, we first must load it into the registers,
such as the accumulator. We cannot work from main memory.

CISC Processors:
 CISC aims to complete the task in as few lines of assembly as possible – this means
the processer hardware and circuitry must be more complicated so it can understand
and execute a series of operations.
 A CISC processor could include a specific instruction for multiplying two numbers
e.g. a MULT
o When executed, this instruction would load the two values into the register,
multiply them together and store the result back out.
o MULT is an example of a complex instruction.
o This complex instruction may take more than once clock cycle to execute.
 CISC processors are much less common today. Intel’s x86 processors still use CISC
architecture.
 CISC architecture is mainly found in desktop PCs and laptops.

RISC Processors:
 RISC processors aim to use simple instructions that will be executed within a single
machine/clock cycle.
 In our generic computer example, at least, a complex command such as MULT won’t
exist.
 We would need to separate it into a number of simpler commands.
 RISC instructions require fewer transistors and less complex hardware, leaving more
room for general-purpose registers and cache.
 RISC uses lower energy requirements.
 RISC architectures have become incredibly popular in low-power and portable
devices.

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