Question

Post lab Questions 1) Write briefly about ARM architecture? 2) What is the difference between RISC and CISC? 3) What is the difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller? 4) What are the different layers involved in software? Explain more about it? 5) What are the different stages involved in software development? Explain more about it? 6) What are the core peripherals of the cortex M4 microprocessor? 7) What are the different components of CPU? Explain briefly about each component?

Answer 1

1)ARM is an architecture for processor designs and it stands for Advanced RISC Machines, what that means is that they are based on Reduced instruction set computing algorithm. In other words the instruction set are smaller and more atomic

2).

Memory Unit

RISC has no memory unit and uses a separate hardware to implement instructions. CISC has a memory unit to implement complex instructions

Program

RISC has a hard-wired unit of programming. CISC has a microprogramming unit

Design

RISC is a complex compiler design. CISC is an easy compiler design

Calculations

RISC calculations are faster and more precise. CISC calculations are slow and precise

Decoding

RISC decoding of instructions is simple. CISC decoding of instructions is complex

Time

Execution time is very less in RISC. Execution time is very high in CISC.

External memory

RISC does not require external memory for calculations. CISC requires external memory for calculations.

Pipelining

RISC Pipelining does function correctly. CISC Pipelining does not function correctly.

Stalling

RISC stalling is mostly reduced in processors. CISC processors often stall.

Code Expansion

Code expansion can be a problem in RISC whereas, in CISC, Code expansion is not a problem.

Disc space

Space is saved in RISC whereas in CISC space is wasted. The best examples of CISC instruction set architecture include VAX, PDP-11, Motorola 68k,And your desktop PCs on Intel’s x86 architecture, whereas the best examples of RISC architecture include DEC Alpha, ARC, AMD 29k, Atmel AVR, Intel i860, Blackfin, i960, Motorola 88000, MIPS, PA-RISC, Power, SPARC, SuperH, and ARM too.

Applications of RISC and CISC

RISC is used in high-end applications like video processing, telecommunications and image processing. CISC is used in low-end applications such as security systems, home automation, etc.

From the above comparison of RISC and CISC, finally, we can conclude that we cannot distinguish between RISC and CISC technology because both are apt at its precise application. Today, both RISC and CISC designers are doing all to get an edge on the competition.

3)Key difference in both of them is presence of external peripheral, where microcontrollers have RAM, ROM, EEPROM embedded in it while we have to use external circuits in case of microprocessors As all the peripheral of microcontroller are on single chip it is compact while microprocessor is bulky.

4)The software layers can be divided into hardware abstraction layers, physical and logical device drivers, repositories such as filesystems, operating system kernels, middleware, applications, and others.

In computing, an abstraction layer or abstraction level is a way of hiding the working details of a subsystem, allowing the separation of concerns to facilitate interoperability and platform independence. Examples of software models that use layers of abstraction include the OSI model for network protocols, OpenGL and other graphics libraries.

In computer science, an abstraction layer is a generalization of a conceptual model or algorithm, away from any specific implementation. These generalizations arise from broad similarities that are best encapsulated by models that express similarities present in various specific implementations. The simplification provided by a good abstraction layer allows for easy reuse by distilling a useful concept or design pattern so that situations where it may be accurately applied can be quickly recognized.

A layer is considered to be on top of another if it depends on it. Every layer can exist without the layers above it, and requires the layers below it to function. Frequently abstraction layers can be composed into a hierarchy of abstraction levels. The OSI model comprises seven abstraction layers. Each layer of the model encapsulates and addresses a different part of the needs of digital communications, thereby reducing the complexity of the associated engineering solutions.