Computer Organization and Assembly Language: Introduction to 8086 processor, Basic Computer Architecture, and Address-Data buses and their size
An 8/16-bit microprocessor, designed by Intel in the late 1970’s, revolutionized the world of hardware and computing in general. A pioneering advancement in the technological realm indeed. The 8086 microprocessor is known for its versatility and wide number of applications. Whether it is a personal computer or an embedded system, 8086 MP is capable of handling them.
Basic Computer Architecture:
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of the computer and is responsible for the execution of most of its instructions. If we take the 8086 Processor into account while talking about the CPU, it consists of various functional units, which include Arithmetic and Logic Unite (ALU). ALU is involved in performing mathematical and logical operations.
Registers
The 8086 microprocessor contains several registers. Registers are small, quick-storage locations which are directly accessible by CPU. They play an important role in the execution of instructions and the storage of temporary data.
Memory
Memory is where the CPU stores data and instructions. To access specific memory locations, the 8086 microprocessor uses a memory address bus. While it uses the data bus to transfer information between CPU and memory. The address bus determines the size of the memory which the processor can access.
Address and Data Buses
Address Bus
The address bus is responsible for carrying memory addresses between the CPU and memory. The 8086 processor has a 20-bit address bus, allowing it to address up to 2²⁰ (1,048,576) memory locations. This provides a significant advantage over its 8-bit predecessors.
Data Bus
The data bus, on the other hand, is responsible for carrying data between the CPU and memory or peripherals. The 8086 processor features a 16-bit data bus, allowing it to transfer 16 bits of data in parallel.
Control Unit
The control unit manages and coordinates the activities of the computer’s various components. It interprets instructions fetched from memory and directs the operation of the other units.
Input/Output (I/O)
The I/O subsystem allows the CPU to communicate with external devices, such as keyboards, displays, and storage devices. This is essential for a computer to interact with its environment.
System Clock
The system clock synchronizes the activities of the CPU and other components. It establishes a rhythm for the execution of instructions and the coordination of data transfer.
