RISC & CISC | Computer Architecture & Organisation (CAO) - Computer Science Engineering (CSE) PDF Download

RISC and CISC

  • Important aspect of computer – design of the instruction set for processor.
  • Instruction set – determines the way that machine language programs are constructed.
  • Early computers – simple and small instruction set, need to minimize the hardware used.
  • Advent of IC – cheaper digital software, instructions intended to increase both in number of complexity.
  • Many computers – more than 100 or 200 instructions, variety of data types and large number of addressing modes.

Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC)

  • The trend into computer hardware complexity was influenced by various factors:
    • Upgrading existing models to provide more customer applications
    • Adding instructions that facilitate the translation from high-level language into machine language programs
    • Striving to develop machines that move functions from software implementation into hardware implementation
  • A computer with a large number of instructions is classified as a complex instruction set computer (CISC).
  • One reason for the trend to provide a complex instruction set is the desire to simplify the compilation and improve the overall computer performance.
  • The essential goal of CISC architecture is to attempt to provide a single machine instruction for each statement that is written in a high-level language. 
  • Examples of CISC architecture are the DEC VAX computer and the IBM 370 computer. Other are 8085, 8086, 80x86 etc.

The major characteristics of CISC architecture 

  • A large number of instructions– typically from 100 to 250 instructions
  • Some instructions that perform specialized tasks and are used infrequently
  • A large variety of addressing modes—typically from 5 to 20 different modes
  • Variable-length instruction formats · Instructions that manipulate operands in memory
  • Reduced speed due to memory read/write operations
  • Use of microprogram – special program in control memory of a computer to perform the timing and sequencing of the microoperations – fetch, decode, execute etc.
  • Major complexity in the design of microprogram
  • No large number of registers – single register set of general purpose and low cost

Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC)
A computer uses fewer instructions with simple constructs so they can be executed much faster within the CPU without having to use memory as often. It is classified as a reduced instruction set computer (RISC).

  • RISC concept – an attempt to reduce the execution cycle by simplifying the instruction set
  • Small set of instructions – mostly register to register operations and simple load/store operations for memory access
  • Each operand – brought into register using load instruction, computations are done among data in registers and results transferred to memory using store instruction
  • Simplify instruction set and encourages the optimization of register manipulation
  • May include immediate operands, relative mode etc.

The major characteristics of RISC architecture

  • Relatively few instructions
  • Relatively few addressing modes
  • Memory access limited to load and store instructions
  • All operations done within the registers of the CPU
  • Fixed-length, easily decoded instruction format
  • Single-cycle instruction execution
  • Hardwired rather than microprogrammed control 

Other characteristics attributed to RISC architecture

  • A relatively large number of registers in the processor unit
  • Use of overlapped register windows to speed-up procedure call and return
  • Efficient instruction pipeline – fetch, decode and execute overlap
  • Compiler support for efficient translation of high-level language programs into machine language programs
  • Studies that show improved performance for RISC architecture do not differentiate between the effects of the reduced instruction set and the effects of a large register file.
  • A large number of registers in the processing unit are sometimes associated with RISC processors.  
  • RISC processors often achieve 2 to 4 times the performance of CISC processors.
  • RISC uses much less chip space; extra functions like memory management unit or floating point arithmetic unit can also be placed on same chip. Smaller chips allow a semiconductor mfg. to place more parts on a single silicon wafer, which can lower the per chip cost dramatically.
  • RISC processors are simpler than corresponding CISC processors, they can be designed more quickly.

 

 

S.N.RISCCISC
1Simple instructions taking one cycleComplex instructions taking multiple cycles
2Only load and store memory referencesAny instructions may reference memory
3Heavily pipelinedNot/less pipelined
4Multiple register setsSingle register set
5Complexity is in compilerComplexity is in micro-programming
6Instructions executed by hardwareInstructions interpreted by microprogramming
7Fixed format instructionsVariable format instructions
8Few instructions and modesLarge instructions and modes

 

Overlapped register windows

  • Some computers provide multiple-register banks, and each procedure is allocated its own bank of registers. This eliminates the need for saving and restoring register values.
  • Some computers use the memory stack to store the parameters that are needed by the procedure, but this required a memory access every time the stack is accessed.
  • A characteristic of some RISC processors is their use of overlapped register windows to provide the passing of parameters and avoid the need for saving and restoring register values.
  • The concept of overlapped register windows is illustrated in below figure.
  • In general, the organization of register windows will have the following relationships:
    Number of global registers = G
    Number of local registers in each window = L
    Number of registers common to two windows = C
    Number of windows = W
  • The number of registers available for each window is calculated as followed:
    Window size = L + 2C + G
  • The total number of registers needed in the processor is Register file = (L + C)W + G 

RISC & CISC | Computer Architecture & Organisation (CAO) - Computer Science Engineering (CSE)

  • A total of 74 registers
  • Global Registers = 10 → common to all procedures
  • 64 registers → divided into 4 windows A, B, C & D
  • Each register window = 10 registers → local
  • Two sets of 16 registers → common to adjacent procedures

Berkeley RISC I 

  • The Berkeley RISC I is a 32-bit integrated circuit CPU.
    • It supports 32-bit address and either 8-, 16-, or 32-bit data.
    • It has a 32-bit instruction format and a total of 31 instructions.
    • There are three basic addressing modes: Register addressing, immediate operand, and relative to PC addressing for branch instructions.
    • It has a register file of 138 registers; 10 global register and 8 windows of 32 registers in each
    • The 32 registers in each window have an organization similar to overlapped register window.

RISC & CISC | Computer Architecture & Organisation (CAO) - Computer Science Engineering (CSE)

  • Above figure shows the 32-bit instruction formats used for register-to-register instructions and memory access instructions.
  • Seven of the bits in the operation code specify an operation, and the eighth bit indicates whether to update the status bits after an ALU operation.
  • For register-to-register instructions :
    • The 5-bit Rd field select one of the 32 registers as a destination for the result of the operation
    •  The operation is performed with the data specified in fields Rs and S2.
    • Thus the instruction has a three-address format, but the second source may be either a register or an immediate operand.
  • For memory access instructions:
    • Rs to specify a 32-bit address in a register
    • S2 to specify an offset
    • Register R contains all 0’s, so it can be used in any field to specify a zero quantity
  • The third instruction format combines the last three fields to form a 19-bit relative address Y and is used primarily with the jump and call instructions.
    • The COND field replaces the Rd field for jump instructions and is used to specify one of 16 possible branch conditions.
The document RISC & CISC | Computer Architecture & Organisation (CAO) - Computer Science Engineering (CSE) is a part of the Computer Science Engineering (CSE) Course Computer Architecture & Organisation (CAO).
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FAQs on RISC & CISC - Computer Architecture & Organisation (CAO) - Computer Science Engineering (CSE)

1. What is the difference between RISC and CISC architectures?
Ans. RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) are two different types of computer architectures. RISC architecture uses a simplified set of instructions, each performing a small and specific task, while CISC architecture includes more complex instructions that can perform multiple tasks. The main difference lies in the design philosophy and approach to instruction execution.
2. Which one is better, RISC or CISC?
Ans. The choice between RISC and CISC architectures depends on the specific requirements of the application. RISC architectures are known for their simplicity, which allows for faster execution and higher performance in certain scenarios. On the other hand, CISC architectures can handle more complex instructions, potentially reducing the need for multiple instructions to achieve a specific task. Ultimately, the effectiveness of each architecture depends on the workload and the optimization of the software running on it.
3. Can RISC and CISC architectures coexist in a single system?
Ans. Yes, it is possible to have a hybrid system that combines both RISC and CISC architectures. This approach is called a "superscalar" architecture and involves having multiple execution units capable of executing both RISC and CISC instructions simultaneously. This allows for the benefits of both architectures to be utilized, such as the simplicity and speed of RISC instructions and the versatility of CISC instructions.
4. Are RISC processors more power-efficient than CISC processors?
Ans. Generally, RISC processors tend to be more power-efficient compared to CISC processors. This is because RISC architectures focus on executing simple instructions efficiently, which requires less power. CISC architectures, on the other hand, have more complex instructions that may require more power to execute. However, advancements in technology have made it possible for CISC processors to become more power-efficient as well, blurring the traditional boundaries between the two architectures.
5. Which architecture is more commonly used in modern processors?
Ans. In modern processors, RISC architectures are more commonly used. This shift towards RISC architectures is primarily driven by the need for faster execution and better performance, especially in the mobile and embedded systems domains. RISC architectures have proven to be more scalable, easier to design, and allow for better optimization of software. However, it is important to note that there are still applications and industries where CISC architectures remain prevalent, such as in mainframe computers and certain specialized systems.
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