What is the purpose of registers in microprocessor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the purpose of registers in microprocessors, exploring their roles in processing commands, logical operations, and interactions with external memory and devices. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to microprocessor architecture.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that registers are used to hold bits that undergo logical operations or are moved to a bus/device when commands are given to the processor.
  • Others argue that similar operations can be performed with external memory and other devices, questioning the unique role of registers.
  • A participant points out the necessity of explicitly reading from or writing to external memory using registers, while information in registers can be manipulated directly by the ALU.
  • There is a suggestion that the discussion has addressed the original poster's question at a programming level.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specific functions and importance of registers compared to external memory and devices, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on the definitions of registers and external memory, and the discussion does not resolve the nuances of how registers interact with the ALU and other components.

soft land
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what is the purpose of registers in microprocessor ?
 
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soft land said:
what is the purpose of registers in microprocessor ?

What would be your thoughts? Do some reading at this web page, and let us know what you've learned:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microprocessor
 


When you give certain commands to the processor the bits currently on the register will undergo logical operations, or be moved to a bus/device.
 


MIC said:
When you give certain commands to the processor the bits currently on the register will undergo logical operations, or be moved to a bus/device.

well, the same could be said of external memory, other external devices, temporary registers, and the like.
 


berkeman is trying to help you learn. If you were not inspired by the reference he gave you, here is another microprocessor reference. We'd like to hear your thoughts after reading this material.
 


Phrak said:
well, the same could be said of external memory, other external devices, temporary registers, and the like.

then why do you have to explicitly read from or write to external memory using the registers, while information on the registers can directly be manipulated with the ALU
 
Last edited:


MIC said:
then why do you have to explicitly read from or write to external memory using the registers, while information on the registers can directly be manipulated with the ALU

Now, I think you've answered the OPs question at the programming level.
 

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