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The Program Counter (PC) is a critical CPU register that holds the address of the next instruction, enabling sequential execution and control flow management. It is pivotal in the fetch-decode-execute cycle, coordinating with other registers for task sequencing and handling non-linear control flows like jumps and branches. Understanding the PC's function is crucial for reliable computing operations.
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The Program Counter is a register in the CPU that stores the address of the next instruction to be executed, ensuring correct control flow
Fetch Phase
During the fetch phase, the PC retrieves the next instruction's address and increments to prepare for the next cycle
Decode and Execute Phases
The PC coordinates with other registers to fetch, decode, and execute instructions in the correct order
Jumps and Branches
The PC updates its value to the target address for jumps and branches, allowing for non-linear execution
Function Calls
The PC saves and retrieves values to facilitate function calls and return to the main program
The PC works with other registers to facilitate the execution of instructions and computations
The PC saves the current state and transitions to an interrupt service routine, ensuring efficient handling of interrupts
The precise operation of the PC is crucial for accurate and efficient computing, making it a vital component in modern computers
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Program Counter alternate name
Also known as Instruction Pointer in some CPU architectures.
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Program Counter function in control flow
Maintains intended control flow by holding next instruction address.
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Program Counter usage in jumps and branches
Updated to new address during jumps, branches, and subroutine calls.
