CPU Control Types

How do control lines work? One of two general methods is used by every computer architecture.

In a hardwired control unit, control signals are generated by hardware using fixed logic circuits. This approach relies on combinational and sequential logic gates to directly interpret each machine instruction into specific signals for CPU components.

Hardwired control units are typically faster than other control methods because there is no intermediate decoding or microinstruction process.

These control units, however, are complex to design, as each CPU instruction requires dedicated logic circuitry, making changes or upgrades challenging.

Hardwired control is often found in systems where speed is critical and instructions are limited, such as in specialized processors.