Differences Hardwired and Microprogrammed Control Difference In A Minute COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
Differences between Hardwired and Microprogrammed Control
|
Attribute |
Hardwired Control Unit |
Microprogrammed Control Unit |
|
Speed |
Fast |
Slow |
|
Control functions |
Implemented in hardware |
Implemented in software |
|
Flexibility |
Not flexible to accommodate new system specifications or new instructions |
More flexible, to accommodate new system specification or new instructions redesign is required |
|
Ability to handle large/complex instruction sets |
Difficult |
Easier |
|
Ability to support operating systems and diagnostic features |
Very difficult |
Easy |
|
Design process |
Complicated |
Orderly and systematic |
|
Applications |
Mostly RISC microprocessors |
Mainframes, some microprocessors |
|
Instruction set size |
Usually under 100 instructions |
Usually over 100 instructions |
|
ROM size |
– |
2K to 10K by 20-400 bit microinstructions |
|
Chip area efficiency |
Uses least area |
Uses more area |