Q2Computer Architecture and Organization
Question
2 marks
What is the difference between hardwired and microprogrammed control units?
Answer
Hardwired control utilizes fixed silicon logic gates for speed, whereas Microprogrammed control utilizes a ROM to store modifiable micro-instructions for flexibility.
Hardwired control units are constructed using a rigid matrix of physical transistors and logic gates (AND/OR), yielding absolute maximum execution speed but zero upgradeability. Microprogrammed control units mathematically read "micro-code" software stored in a specialized ROM, sacrificing slight execution speed for massive architectural flexibility and easier CISC instruction implementation.