What This Document Is
This document represents Lecture 10 from the CPEG 222 Microprocessor Systems course at the University of Delaware, focusing on the foundational elements of the MIPS Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). It serves as a detailed introduction to the core principles governing how software interacts with hardware at a low level. This lecture establishes a critical understanding of the building blocks necessary for more advanced topics in microprocessor design and assembly language programming.
Why This Document Matters
This material is essential for students seeking a robust understanding of computer organization and design. It’s particularly valuable for those preparing to work with assembly language, embedded systems, or delve deeper into computer architecture. Reviewing this lecture will be beneficial when tackling programming assignments requiring optimized code or when analyzing the performance characteristics of different instruction sets. It’s a key stepping stone for anyone aiming to build a strong foundation in the field of computer engineering.
Topics Covered
* The concept of Computer Architecture and its various levels (Organization, System Design, ISA)
* The definition and significance of an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
* The role of the ISA as a hardware/software interface
* Memory organization, including byte addressing and word alignment
* Endianness (Big Endian vs. Little Endian) and its implications
* Overview of the MIPS ISA characteristics and its place within the RISC landscape
* Fundamental components of an ISA: registers, addressing modes, and instruction formats
What This Document Provides
* A comprehensive overview of the MIPS ISA’s design philosophy.
* Exploration of the key elements that define an ISA and their impact on program execution.
* Discussion of different addressing modes and their functionalities.
* Insight into the structure of memory and how data is organized within it.
* A comparative look at MIPS architecture in relation to other instruction set types.
* A foundational understanding of the MIPS register set and word size.
