Question

Assume the 5-stage pipeline processor has:

Full forwarding paths
Half-cycle write back stall capability based on non-forwardable data hazard detection resolves branches in the decode stage. The processor described is most likely using:
a) Superscalar architecture
b) RISC architecture
c) CISC architecture
d) Pipeline architecture

Answer 1

The processor described is most likely using pipeline architecture, which splits the execution into multiple stages. Techniques like forwarding and write back stall capability are used to overcome data hazards. Branch prediction is used to enhance performance.

The 5-stage pipeline processor described in the question utilizes pipeline architecture. This architecture splits the execution of instructions into multiple stages, allowing for simultaneous processing of different stages of different instructions. The presence of full forwarding paths and half-cycle write back stall capability indicates the use of techniques to overcome data hazards in the pipeline. Additionally, the resolution of branches in the decode stage suggests that the processor uses branch prediction to enhance performance.