How many times does the processor need to refer to memory when it fetches and executes an indirect- address-mode instruction if the instruction is (a) a computation requiring a single operand; (b) a branch? Need to provide explanation for the provided answers.

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**Transcription for Educational Website**

**Question:**

How many times does the processor need to refer to memory when it fetches and executes an indirect-address-mode instruction if the instruction is: 

(a) A computation requiring a **single operand**; 

(b) A **branch**?

Need to provide explanation for the provided answers.

---

**Explanation:**

In the context of indirect addressing mode, when a processor executes an instruction, it involves specific steps to access the required data:

1. **Indirect Addressing:**
   - The memory address of the data is not given directly; instead, a reference to the address is provided. This reference resides in another memory location.

2. **Computation Requiring a Single Operand:**
   - **Memory Access #1:** Retrieve the address from where the actual operand's address can be found.
   - **Memory Access #2:** Access the memory location using the obtained address to get the single operand required for the computation.
   - Hence, two memory accesses are required.

3. **Branching Instruction:**
   - **Memory Access #1:** The address of the target location needed for the branch instruction is obtained indirectly.
   - Typically, branch instructions use the address to change the flow of the program. No further operand needs to be fetched for the branching to occur.
   - Thus, only one memory access is required.

Understanding these steps helps in analyzing processor efficiency and optimizing instruction execution by minimizing memory accesses wherever possible.
Transcribed Image Text:**Transcription for Educational Website** **Question:** How many times does the processor need to refer to memory when it fetches and executes an indirect-address-mode instruction if the instruction is: (a) A computation requiring a **single operand**; (b) A **branch**? Need to provide explanation for the provided answers. --- **Explanation:** In the context of indirect addressing mode, when a processor executes an instruction, it involves specific steps to access the required data: 1. **Indirect Addressing:** - The memory address of the data is not given directly; instead, a reference to the address is provided. This reference resides in another memory location. 2. **Computation Requiring a Single Operand:** - **Memory Access #1:** Retrieve the address from where the actual operand's address can be found. - **Memory Access #2:** Access the memory location using the obtained address to get the single operand required for the computation. - Hence, two memory accesses are required. 3. **Branching Instruction:** - **Memory Access #1:** The address of the target location needed for the branch instruction is obtained indirectly. - Typically, branch instructions use the address to change the flow of the program. No further operand needs to be fetched for the branching to occur. - Thus, only one memory access is required. Understanding these steps helps in analyzing processor efficiency and optimizing instruction execution by minimizing memory accesses wherever possible.
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