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Summary of Chapter 1

Chapter 1 introduces the fundamentals of microprocessors and assembly language, defining a computer and its core components, including the CPU, memory, and I/O unit. It discusses programming languages used for microprocessors, the evolution of Intel microprocessors, and the significance of assembly language for hardware control. Additionally, it covers instruction fields, architectural compatibility, and provides practice questions for reinforcement.

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58 views4 pages

Summary of Chapter 1

Chapter 1 introduces the fundamentals of microprocessors and assembly language, defining a computer and its core components, including the CPU, memory, and I/O unit. It discusses programming languages used for microprocessors, the evolution of Intel microprocessors, and the significance of assembly language for hardware control. Additionally, it covers instruction fields, architectural compatibility, and provides practice questions for reinforcement.

Uploaded by

kedyfantahun
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Summary of Chapter 1: Introduction to Microprocessor and

Assembly Language
1. Introduction to Computers and Microprocessors

 Definition of a Computer: A programmable machine capable of receiving input,


processing data, and providing output. Core components:
o CPU (Central Processing Unit)
o Memory
o I/O Unit
 Microprocessor Basics:
o A programmable device that performs arithmetic and logical operations on data.
o Composed of:
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes arithmetic (e.g., add, subtract)
and logical operations (e.g., AND, OR).
 Registers: Temporary storage for data during manipulation.
 Control Unit: Fetches and executes instructions.
 Microcomputers:
o Systems with limited resources, optimized for specific tasks (e.g., embedded
systems).
o Found in devices like mobile phones, printers, and washing machines.

2. Programming Microprocessors

 Languages:
o Machine Language: Binary instructions directly executed by hardware.
o Assembly Language:
 Low-level language with mnemonics (e.g., ADD, MOV) for better
readability.
 Requires an assembler for translation into machine code.
o High-Level Languages:
 More human-readable (e.g., Python, C).
 Require compilers or interpreters for conversion to machine code.
 Language Translators:
o Compiler: Converts high-level code to machine code at once.
o Interpreter: Converts high-level code to machine code line-by-line.
o Assembler: Converts assembly language into machine code.

3. Evolution of Microprocessors

 Intel 4004 (1971): First microprocessor, 4-bit, addressing 4KB memory.


 Intel 8080 (1973): 8-bit, faster, addressing 64KB memory.
 Intel 8086/8088 (1978-79): 16-bit, addressing 1MB memory.
 Intel 80286: Addressed 16MB memory, introduced protected mode.
 Intel 80386: First 32-bit processor, addressing 4GB memory.
 Intel Core Processors: Introduced multi-core and 64-bit capabilities.

4. Instruction Fields

 Opcode: Specifies the operation (e.g., ADD, MOV).


 Operand Fields: Define the source and destination of data (registers, memory).

5. Importance of Assembly Language

 Direct hardware control, critical for:


o Real-time systems (e.g., traffic control).
o Embedded systems.
o Kernel development in operating systems.

6. Architectural Compatibility

 Backward compatibility ensures newer microprocessors support older instructions (e.g.,


from 8086 to modern processors).

Key Examples
 Assembly Instruction Example:
o MOV AX, 1: Moves the value 1 into register AX.
o Equivalent machine code: 10110000 00000001.
 High-Level to Machine Translation:
o High-Level: D = A * B + 10
o Assembly: MOV EAX, A; MUL B; ADD EAX, 10; MOV D, EAX.

Practice Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is the main component of a microprocessor that performs arithmetic operations?
o A. Registers
o B. ALU
o C. Control Unit
o D. I/O Unit
Answer: B
2. Which language requires translation via an assembler?
o A. Machine Language
o B. Assembly Language
o C. High-Level Language
o D. None of the above
Answer: B
3. The first 32-bit microprocessor introduced by Intel was:
o A. 8086
o B. 80286
o C. 80386
o D. Core i5
Answer: C
4. What is the size of the memory address bus in Intel 8086?
o A. 12 bits
o B. 16 bits
o C. 20 bits
o D. 32 bits
Answer: C
5. Which of the following translates high-level code line by line?
o A. Compiler
o B. Interpreter
o C. Assembler
o D. Linker
Answer: B

True/False

1. Assembly language uses binary instructions. (False)


2. The first microprocessor, Intel 4004, was a 4-bit processor. (True)
3. The ALU is responsible for fetching and decoding instructions. (False)
4. An assembler is used to convert high-level languages into machine code. (False)
5. Modern processors have multi-core capabilities. (True)

Fill in the Blanks


1. The ______ translates assembly code into machine code.
Answer: Assembler
2. The Intel ______ processor introduced 64-bit architecture.
Answer: Core
3. In the instruction MOV AX, BX, the ______ field specifies the operation.
Answer: Opcode
4. A microprocessor that processes 16 bits at a time is known as a ______ processor.
Answer: 16-bit
5. The Intel 80386 could address up to ______ bytes of memory.
Answer: 4GB

Short Answer Questions

1. Define a microprocessor.
2. Explain the role of the Control Unit in a microprocessor.
3. What are the key differences between machine language and assembly language?
4. Why is backward compatibility important in microprocessor architecture?
5. Describe the evolution of Intel microprocessors from 4004 to 80386.

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