How does the CPU process data instructions?

The actual mathematical operation for each instruction is performed by a combinational logic circuit within the CPU’s processor known as the arithmetic logic unit or ALU. In general, a CPU executes an instruction by fetching it from memory, using its ALU to perform an operation, and then storing the result to memory.

What is the difference between address and data?

Data is the term used to describe information, and address is the term used to describe the location of an item of information.

What is data and instructions in computer?

Advertisements. Data can be defined as a representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner, which should be suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by human or electronic machine.

What does the CPU use to hold data it is working on?

The CPU relies heavily on main memory for storing program instructions and the data the instructions operate on. Main memory is temporary in nature and only holds instructions and data for a program while the program is executing. Secondary memory is the more permanent storage provided by hard drives and flash drives.

What is the difference between an instruction and data in CPU?

It depends on the state the CPU is in. If the CPU is in an instruction fetching state, the data pulled in will be treated as an instruction. If it is in a data fetching state, the data will be treated as data. The CPU is a giant state machine.

How is data treated as data in a CPU?

It depends on the state the CPU is in. If the CPU is in an instruction fetching state, the data pulled in will be treated as an instruction. If it is in a data fetching state, the data will be treated as data. The CPU is a giant state machine. Newer CPUs have Data Execution Prevention where regions of memory can be marked as “non-executable.”.

How does the CPU differentiate between an opcode and instruction?

“Each opcode will consist of an instruction of N bytes, which then expects the subsequent M bytes to be data (memory pointers etc.). So the CPU uses each opcode to determine how manyof the following bytes are data. Certainly for old processors (e.g. old 8-bit types such as 6502 and the like) there was no differentiation.

How does the CPU know when it is fetching data?

The CPU’s internal logic ensures that it knows whether it is fetching data in stage 1 (i.e. an instruction fetch), or in stage 3 (i.e. a data fetch due to a “load” instruction).