Title: RISC vs.
CISC: Exploring
Computer Architecture
Presented By
Amirul Laskar
University Roll: 23600123002
University Reg. No.: 232360110002
Semester: 4th
Department: CSE
Subject: Computer Architecture
Subject Code: PCC-CS402
What is Computer
Architecture and ISA?
Computer Architecture refers to the design of
computer system including their instruction set
and hierarchy and CPU organization
Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) defines the set of instructions a
processor can understand and execute. It's essentially the
language computers use to perform operations. The ISA dictates
how data is manipulated, stored, and retrieved within a
processor.
The choice of instructions and their complexity significantly
impacts the performance and efficiency of a processor. Two
main architectural approaches emerged: RISC (Reduced
Instruction Set Computing) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set
Computing).
Evolution Of RISC and CISC Architecture
CISC developed in 1970s which aimed to reduce the no. of instructions needed per
program, often including complex programs/instructions that could perform multiple
tasks
RISC introduced in 1980s which focused on simplifying instruction set by using a
smaller set of simple & efficient instructions, with goal of improving performance by
executing instructions faster.
RISC
It stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer. It is a type of microprocessor architecture that uses a small set of
instructions of uniform length. These are simple instructions that are generally executed in one clock cycle.
Characteristics:
❑ <100 no. of instructions.
❑ Hardwired Control.
❑ Single cycle instruction execution.
❑ Uses more registers.(32-192 registers)
❑ Highly pipelined and easy to design.
Advantages : Faster execution , low power consumption , Cheaper.
Disadvantages : Larger code size , Limited ability to perform complex tasks.
Example : ARM , MIPS (Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipelined Stages) , Intel etc.
CISC
It stands for Complex Instruction Set Computer. These processors offer the users, hundreds of instructions of
variable sizes. CISC architecture includes a complete set of special-purpose circuits that carry out these
instructions at a very high speed.
Characteristics:
❑ Typically consists 100-200 of instructions.
❑ Microprogrammed Control.
❑ Multiple cycle required for instruction execution.
❑ Uses less registers.(8-24 registers).
❑ Less pipelined and difficult to design.
Advantages : Smaller code size, ability to perform complex instructions.
Disadvantages : Slower processing times, Higher power consumption, Costly.
Example : intel X86, Motorola 68K etc.
Difference between RISC and CISC
Attribute RISC CISC
Instruction Set Reduced, simple Complex, diverse
Addressing mode Few, 3 to 5 diff. modes Large, 5 to 10 diff. modes
Instruction format length Fixed, typically 32/64 bit Variable, 16-64 bit/instruction
Memory reference Only LOAD & STORE Any instructions
Instruction Execution Fast, singl-cycle Slower, multi-cycle
Power consumption and costs Less More
Pipelined Highly pipelined Less Pipelined
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Computing
The RISC and CISC architectures have profoundly shaped the computing landscape. Their
contrasting approaches, from simplicity to complexity, have driven innovation and efficiency.
Modern processors often leverage a blend of RISC and CISC i.e. EPIC, for optimal performance.
Refernces:
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-organization-risc-and-cisc/
https://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/courses/soco/projects/risc/risccisc/
https://byjus.com/gate/difference-between-risc-and-cisc-processor/
https://byjus.com/gate/difference-between-risc-and-cisc-processor/
Thank You
