You are executing an instruction set in a RISC processor.
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You are executing an instruction set in a RISC processor.
In how many instruction stages can you complete this execution?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. 5
The classic RISC pipeline architecture, as exemplified by the MIPS architecture, is designed to execute instructions in 5 distinct stages to maximize throughput via pipelining.
Step-by-step Derivation:
Step 1: Analyze the fundamental requirements of a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) instruction execution. A typical instruction must be fetched from memory, decoded, operands must be read, the operation must be performed, and the result must be written back.
Step 2: Identify the standard 5-stage pipeline model:
- Instruction Fetch (IF): The instruction is fetched from the instruction memory using the Program Counter (PC).
- Instruction Decode (ID): The instruction is decoded, and registers are read from the register file.
- Execute (EX): The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs the operation or calculates an address.
- Memory Access (MEM): If necessary, data is read from or written to the data memory.
- Write Back (WB): The result of the operation is written back into the register file.
Step 3: Compare this standard model to the provided options. Option D (5) matches the classic RISC pipeline depth.