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Types of Machine Instructions

Overview :
Based on operation performed, machine instructions can be divided into the following :

1. Data Transfer Instructions :



Instructions that transfer data from one location (Register/Memory) to another location (Register/Memory) without changing the data. Data transfer operations supported are as follows :

2. Data Manipulation Instructions :



3. Program Control Instructions :

-> Compare Test Instructions : To compare and test status flags we need support of condition code register. Condition Code Register (CCR) has following flag bits:

(i) 5 status bits : To indicate the situation after the arithmetic and logic operation.

(ii) Two Interrupt Masking bits

(iii) One Stop Disable bit

-> Unconditional Branch Instructions : It causes an unconditional change of execution sequence to a new location. Example : JUMP, goto etc.

-> Conditional Branch Instructions : These instructions are used to examine the values stored in the condition code register to determine whether the specific code exists and to branch if it does. Examples :

-> Subroutines : It is a program fragment that lives in user space, performs a well-defined task if it is invoked by another user programs and returns control to the calling program when finished. Example : CALL, RET instructions. Subroutine is used for :

-> Halting and Interrupt instructions : They are as follows –

1. NOP Instruction : 
Means no operation, causes no change in the processor state other than the advancement of the program counter. It can be used to synchronize timing.

2. HALT Instruction : 
It brings a processor to an orderly halt, remaining in the idle state until restarted by interrupt, trace, reset or external action.

3. Interrupt Instructions :
It is a mechanism by which an I/O or an instruction can suspend the normal execution of the processor and get itself serviced. Generally, a particular task is assigned to that interrupt signal. In microprocessor interrupt are used for data transfer between peripheral devices and microprocessor. The instructions are –

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