3.1.5

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

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The Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle

To process instructions and data, the processor needs to retrieve them from memory. To do this, it follows the fetch, decode, execute (FDE) cycle.

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Fetch

  • The address of the next instruction to be processed is copied from the Program Counter (PC) to the Memory Address Register (MAR).
  • The PC is incremented to point to the next instruction that will be needed when the cycle starts again.
  • The instruction stored at the location held by the MAR is copied to the MDR.
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Decode

  • The Control Unit decodes the instruction and sends control signals to the component within or outside the CPU that needs to act.
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Execute

  • The operation indicated by the instruction is performed by the appropriate component. For example:
    • The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs the operation given by the Control Unit.
    • The value stored by the Program Counter or Memory Address Register might be changed.

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