Microprocessor operation

The process of data manipulation and communication with peripherals is determined by the logic design of the
microprocessor. This logic design is called architecture. All the operations of microprocessor can be classified into
following types:

(a) Microprocessor initiated operations

(b) Internal operations
(c) Peripheral or externally initiated operations
Microprocessor initiated operations
Microprocessor initiated operations are usually one of the following operations :
(a) Memory read: Reads data from memory.
(b) Memory write: Writes data into the memory.
(c) I/O Read: Accepts data from input devices.
(d) I/O Write: Sends data to output devices
All these operations are initiated by microprocessor and executed by peripheral devices as a part of communication
process between microprocessor and memory or peripheral devices. To perform these communication operations,
the MPU needs to perform following steps
(a) Identify the memory location or the peripheral devices.
(b) Provide synchronization signal i.e. timing signals.
(c) Transfer the binary information (data and instruction).
All these functions are performed with the help of communication lines called system bus. The details of the three
types of buses i.e. Address bus, data bus and control bus have been discussed in section 3.1.2
Internal data operations
These are the operations which are internally performed by the microprocessor. They are classified into five groups:
1) Store 8-bit data
2) Perform arithmetic and logical operation
3) Test for the conditions
4) Sequence the execution of instructions
5) Store data temporarily during execution in the R/W memory locations called the stack.
To perform these operations microprocessor requires registers, Arithmetic and logic unit, buses and control unit.
To store 8-bit data microprocessor has six general purpose registers. During program execution, these registers are
used to store 8- or 16-bit data. The details of these registers i.e. B, C, D, E, H and L have already been discussed in
register unit.
Arithmetic and logical operations are performed in accumulator and the conditions are tested by the flag register.
Program counter is used to sequence the execution of instructions and stack memory is used for temporary storage
of data during execution and stack pointer is used to address the stack memory.
Peripheral or Externally initiated operations
There are four externally initiated operations, for which individual pins on the microprocessor chip are
assigned. These operations are RESET, READY, HOLD and INTERRUPT. The details of all these operations have
been discussed in section 3.1.2