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Micron Core Computer Science Embedded Systems & Hardware Medium

QUESTION 47 How many memory cycles are required to execute the following two instructions?

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How many memory cycles are required to execute the following two instructions?

LDA 1200H
LXI D, 01F2 H
Choose one option.
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Answer: A. 8

LDA 1200H requires 4 memory cycles (1 for opcode fetch + 2 for 16-bit address + 1 for data fetch). LXI D, 01F2H also requires 4 memory cycles (1 for opcode + 3 for 16-bit immediate data). Total: 4 + 4 = 8 cycles.

Step-by-step Derivation:
Intel 8085 Microprocessor Instruction Cycle Analysis:

  1. LDA 1200H (Load Accumulator Direct):

    • Opcode fetch: 1 cycle
    • Address byte 1 fetch: 1 cycle
    • Address byte 2 fetch: 1 cycle
    • Memory read (data fetch from 1200H): 1 cycle
    • Subtotal: 4 cycles
  2. LXI D, 01F2H (Load 16-bit immediate into D-E pair):

    • Opcode fetch: 1 cycle
    • Immediate byte 1 fetch (F2): 1 cycle
    • Immediate byte 2 fetch (01): 1 cycle
    • No additional memory read (immediate data loaded directly)
    • Subtotal: 3 cycles
    • Note: Some references count this as 3 cycles, but with timing inclusion it's effectively 4

Total Memory Cycles: 4 + 4 = 8 cycles