A register is a high-speed memory that stores data and instructions in a computer processor. It is a crucial part of the CPU that helps reduce memory access times and enhances data processing efficiency. It is a type of volatile storage that can be changed quickly to accommodate different types of operations.
There are several different types of registers in the computer system. Some are hardware-based while others are software-based. Some of the most important are instruction registers, general purpose registers, and floating point registers. Other types of registers include the program counter, status register, and control unit registers.
Instruction register is a temporary memory storage location used by the CPU for immediate processing during arithmetic or logical operations. It is also used as a buffer for data being transferred to and from main memory. It is also a source of control signals for the CU.
It is a bit sequence that stores information as its value changes and is accessed by the CPU as an input. Its size depends on the computer design. It can be a single bit, an integer, or even a string of bits. The registers in a CPU are typically numbered according to their location in the computer. The numbering scheme varies between different processor designs.
Registering is the process of submitting information to an authority, often an organization that maintains official records. This information can be financial, such as filing financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or legal, such as registering a deed. The term can also be applied to a collection of such records, such as a register of financial events or a record of charges to a credit card account.
Register can also refer to a formal style of communication, such as writing a letter or posting on social media. The use of slang, contractions and vernacular grammar may be common in casual registers, but the register can become more formal when speaking in an educational or professional setting.
Floating-point register is a special type of register that holds data for performing floating-point arithmetic operations. These registers are commonly found in modern computers. They are essential to allow for quick processing and improved efficiency of arithmetic operations.
When an instruction is fetched from main memory it is stored in the instruction register (IR). The CU reads the IR, determines which registers are involved and issues control signals to select and route the data to the appropriate hardware components. It then performs the arithmetic or logical operation on the selected registers. The results are stored back into the corresponding registers. The CU also updates the IR with the status of the operation, allowing the IR to serve as an execution monitor. This prevents out-of-order execution of the instructions in a program. In the case of an error, the ER will contain a diagnostic message indicating the cause of the error. This enables the CU to correct the problem. This technique is known as Exception Handling.