Intro to Computer Architecture

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5-stage pipeline

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Intro to Computer Architecture

Definition

A 5-stage pipeline is a technique in computer architecture that divides instruction execution into five distinct stages: Fetch, Decode, Execute, Memory access, and Write-back. This method allows multiple instructions to be processed simultaneously at different stages, increasing overall instruction throughput and improving performance. The 5-stage pipeline is fundamental in leveraging instruction-level parallelism (ILP) by enabling several instructions to be in different stages of execution at once.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The 5 stages of the pipeline are: Instruction Fetch (IF), Instruction Decode (ID), Execute (EX), Memory Access (MEM), and Write Back (WB).
  2. Each stage can process a different instruction simultaneously, allowing the CPU to complete more instructions in a given time period compared to non-pipelined architectures.
  3. Pipeline efficiency can be affected by hazards, which can cause stalls or delays when dependencies between instructions occur.
  4. Techniques such as forwarding and branch prediction are employed to minimize the impact of hazards and enhance pipeline performance.
  5. A fully utilized 5-stage pipeline can ideally achieve a throughput of one completed instruction per clock cycle after an initial startup delay.

Review Questions

  • How does a 5-stage pipeline increase the performance of a CPU compared to a non-pipelined architecture?
    • A 5-stage pipeline increases CPU performance by allowing multiple instructions to be in various stages of execution at the same time. In contrast, a non-pipelined architecture processes one instruction at a time from start to finish. This overlap means that while one instruction is being decoded, another can be fetched, and yet another can be executed, leading to higher throughput and improved utilization of CPU resources.
  • What are some common types of hazards encountered in a 5-stage pipeline, and how do they affect instruction execution?
    • Common types of hazards include data hazards, control hazards, and structural hazards. Data hazards occur when an instruction depends on the result of a previous instruction that has not yet completed. Control hazards arise from branching instructions affecting the flow of execution. Structural hazards happen when hardware resources are insufficient to support all concurrent operations. These hazards can lead to pipeline stalls or delays, reducing overall efficiency and throughput.
  • Evaluate the significance of forwarding and branch prediction techniques in maintaining optimal performance within a 5-stage pipeline.
    • Forwarding and branch prediction are crucial techniques for enhancing performance in a 5-stage pipeline by addressing potential stalls caused by hazards. Forwarding allows the immediate use of data from earlier stages instead of waiting for it to be written back, thus minimizing data hazards. Branch prediction anticipates the outcome of branching instructions to reduce control hazards by allowing the pipeline to continue executing without waiting for the branch resolution. Together, these techniques help maintain high instruction throughput and minimize performance degradation in pipelined processors.

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