Lab $2$

Processor design plays a crucial role in the execution of instructions within a computer

system. The architecture of a processor determines how instructions are fetched, decoded,

executed, and written back to memory. Understanding different processor architectures is

essential for computer engineers, as it enables them to optimize performance, reduce power

consumption, and enhance overall system efficiency.

In this lab, we will explore the concepts of datapath and control signals in the context of both

Single Cycle and MultiCycle processors. Datapath refers to the path that data follows as it

moves through various components of the processor, such as registers, ALU, and memory.

Control signals, on the other hand, dictate the behavior of these components, coordinating

their operation to execute instructions correctly.

Our objective in this lab exercise is twofold. First, we aim to understand the underlying

principles of Single Cycle and MultiCycle Processor Designs, including their respective

datapaths and control signals. Second, we will apply this knowledge to identify the datapath

and control values for different MIPS instructions on both architectures.