Which of the following statements is true about CPU architectures?

Which of the following statements is true about CPU architectures?

• A. RISC architectures require more complex programming.
• B. CISC architectures typically have fewer steps per instruction.
• C. RISC processors are designed for specific applications only.
• D. CISC processors use a broader set of instructions.

Answer: (D)

The statement about CISC processors using a broader set of instructions is accurate because CISC, or Complex Instruction Set Computing, is characterized by its ability to execute a variety of complex instructions that can carry out multiple operations in a single instruction. This extensive instruction set often includes addressing modes and varying instruction lengths, allowing for more functionality per instruction. In contrast, RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) focuses on a smaller set of instructions that are designed to execute more rapidly, often requiring multiple instructions to perform what a single CISC instruction might accomplish. Therefore, while RISC simplifies the instruction set, CISC embraces a broader range, aiming to reduce the number of instructions needed for a given task but often at the cost of longer execution times per instruction. Understanding the nature of RISC and CISC architectures provides insight into their respective efficiencies and application contexts in computing. This distinction is crucial for system design, performance considerations, and how software is written for different architectures.

The statement about CISC processors using a broader set of instructions is accurate because CISC, or Complex Instruction Set Computing, is characterized by its ability to execute a variety of complex instructions that can carry out multiple operations in a single instruction. This extensive instruction set often includes addressing modes and varying instruction lengths, allowing for more functionality per instruction.

In contrast, RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) focuses on a smaller set of instructions that are designed to execute more rapidly, often requiring multiple instructions to perform what a single CISC instruction might accomplish. Therefore, while RISC simplifies the instruction set, CISC embraces a broader range, aiming to reduce the number of instructions needed for a given task but often at the cost of longer execution times per instruction.

Understanding the nature of RISC and CISC architectures provides insight into their respective efficiencies and application contexts in computing. This distinction is crucial for system design, performance considerations, and how software is written for different architectures.