What is the purpose of the general purpose registers, segment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the purpose and function of various types of registers in microprocessors, including general purpose registers, segment registers, index registers, instruction pointer registers, and status registers. Participants also explore the internal workings of microprocessors, the architecture of computers, and the compilation of programs.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific purposes of different types of registers in microprocessors.
  • One participant suggests that understanding these registers requires knowledge of microprocessor internals, program compilation, and operating system architecture.
  • A participant mentions that segment registers are typically associated with high-end operating systems and multi-tasking, specifically in x86 architecture.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to learn about the internal workings of microprocessors and how compilers function, specifically referencing the 8086 microprocessor.
  • There is a question about whether the term "Internal architecture of microprocessor" implies that all components, such as registers and ALU, are contained within the physical package of the microprocessor.
  • Participants suggest external resources for further reading on microprocessors and their architecture.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a foundational understanding of microprocessor architecture is necessary to grasp the purpose of the various registers. However, there is no consensus on the specific details of each register's function, and multiple viewpoints regarding the complexity of the topic are expressed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the inquiry appears to be related to a homework assignment, which may influence the depth and nature of the responses. There are also indications that further reading and foundational knowledge are necessary to fully understand the topics discussed.

pairofstrings
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what is the purpose of the general purpose registers, segment registers, index registers, instruction pointer registers, and status registers?
I need detail answers.
 
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pairofstrings said:
what is the purpose of the general purpose registers, segment registers, index registers, instruction pointer registers, and status registers?
I need detail answers.

This smells like a homework assignment. Bad form.

But even if we told you in detail, it wouldn't make a lot of sense without understanding the internal workings of a microprocessor, how programs are compiled, and how operating systems are architected.

For the basics, here's an oldie but goody:

http://webphysics.davidson.edu/faculty/dmb/py310/8085.pdf

BTW: Flags == Status, Indirect == Index

Read it beginning to end.

For segment registers you generally have to go to 16-, 32- and 64-bit processors intended for high-end operating systems. x86 has them. 68K/PPC don't. They are associated with handling multi-tasking in OSes. I'll let your find that stuff.
 
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I want to find out the internal working of a microprocessor and what microprocessors are made of, and want to find out how compilers work and how computers are architected. Can anyone please tell me how programs are compiled and internal working of any microprocessor?? I was studying 8086 microprocessor.
When a heading says "Internal architecture of microprocessor" does that mean that microprocessor has all those things(registers, ALU,BUS) inside the 40 pin package?
 
Last edited:


pairofstrings said:
When a heading says "Internal architecture of microprocessor" does that mean that microprocessor has all those things(registers, ALU,BUS) inside the 40 pin package?

yes. you need to do more basic reading. you are asking for a LOT of information.
 


pairofstrings said:
what is the purpose of the general purpose registers, segment registers, index registers, instruction pointer registers, and status registers?
I need detail answers.

Start with these two websites:

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

http://www.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor.htm

The wikipedia article has lots of links out to related info at the end.

After you read through those web pages, if you have a specific question, please post it here with a link to the related part of the articles.
 

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