RISC Architecture

RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer. It is a type of computer architecture that emphasizes simplicity and efficiency by reducing the number of instructions that a processor can execute. RISC architectures typically have a smaller set of instructions and execute them in a single clock cycle, which results in faster and more efficient processing.

Option B: MIPS

MIPS (Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages) is an example of a RISC architecture. It was developed by MIPS Technologies in the 1980s and has been widely used in various applications, including embedded systems, gaming consoles, and networking devices.

Key Features of MIPS

1. Simple Instruction Set: MIPS architecture has a small and simple set of instructions, which makes it easier to design and implement the processor.

2. Fixed-length Instructions: Each instruction in MIPS is of fixed length, typically 32 bits. This simplifies the instruction fetch stage of the processor pipeline.

3. Load/Store Architecture: MIPS uses a load/store architecture, which means that data can only be accessed from memory using load and store instructions. Arithmetic and logical operations are performed only on registers.

4. Register-based: MIPS has a large number of general-purpose registers (32 in MIPS32 architecture). This reduces the need for memory access and allows for faster execution of instructions.

5. Single-cycle Execution: Most instructions in MIPS architecture are designed to be executed in a single clock cycle. This results in faster execution and higher performance.

Comparison with Other Options

a) 80286: The 80286 is an Intel x86 architecture, which is not a RISC architecture. It is a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) architecture that supports a large and complex set of instructions.

c) Zilog Z80: The Zilog Z80 is also not a RISC architecture. It is an 8-bit microprocessor that belongs to the CISC family.

d) 80386: The 80386 is another Intel x86 architecture, which is also not a RISC architecture. It is a CISC architecture that introduced 32-bit capabilities.

In conclusion, option B, MIPS, is the correct answer as it is an example of a RISC architecture.