answersLogoWhite

0

There is no such thing as an instruction counter. You are either referring to the instruction register (IR) or the program counter (PC), The PC is more commonly known as the instruction pointer (IP). The IR and IP work together.

The IR fetches the instruction currently pointed to by the IP which is then incremented to refer to the next instruction. The IR is then decoded and executed and the cycle repeats ad infinitum (known as the fetch-decode-execute cycle). However, if the fetched instruction is a control transfer instruction (such as JMP), its execution will cause the IP to refer to another address which, in turn, causes execution to "branch" to a new section of code on the next fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Note that a low-level JMP is equivalent to a goto statement in high-level code, however code can also branch through high-level if and switch statements as well as structured loops such as for, while and do-while statements.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the function of the program counter register?

The function of the program counter register is to hold the address of the instruction that is being executed and (later) to hold the address of the instruction that will be executed next.


Purpose of program counter in a microprocessor is?

In 8085 program counter stores the address of the next instruction which is to be fecthed.same function is performed by instruction pointer in 8086.


Function of a program counter?

Program Counter is just a synonim for Instruction Pointer.


What is the function of program counter?

program counter is a register that has the address of next instruction that has to be executed after currently executing instruction. it is used for proper execution of functions of computer by providing address of next instruction to microprocessor.


What is the difference between the instruction location counter and the program counter?

The Instruction Location Counter is a variable inside of the assembler. While the Program Counter is a register. The PC solely keeps track of the next instruction in a program, ILC increments by each instruction's operand length.


What is the function of XRA instruction?

What is the function of XRA instruction


What is program counter?

Synonym for Instruction Pointer.


Which register in 8086 contains the address of the next instruction to be fetched?

program counter holds the address of the next instruction.


What is the role of sequence counter in execution of an instruction?

Sequence counter keeps track of the number of instructions that are to be executed.


How many bits are needed for the program counter and the instruction register?

24 bits are needed for the program counter. Assuming the instructions are 32 bits, then 32 bits are needed for the instruction register.


How do you fetch and execute instruction?

Fetching and executing an instruction involves several key steps in a computer's CPU. First, the CPU retrieves the instruction from memory using the program counter, which points to the next instruction to be executed. Once fetched, the instruction is decoded to determine the operation and the operands involved. Finally, the CPU executes the instruction by carrying out the specified operation, updating the program counter accordingly to point to the next instruction.


When a program begins the memory address of the first instruction is placed in a part of the microprocessors control unit called a(n) .?

When a program begins, the memory address of the first instruction is placed in a part of the microprocessor's control unit called the program counter (PC). The program counter keeps track of the address of the next instruction to be executed, ensuring the CPU can fetch and process instructions in the correct sequence. As each instruction is executed, the program counter is updated to point to the subsequent instruction in memory.