Basic issues in microprocessor architecture

The evolution of microprocessor architecture depends upon the changing aspects of technology. As die density and speed increase, memory and program behavior become increasingly important in de ning architecture tradeo s. While technology enables increasingly complex processor implementations, there are physical and program behavior limits to the usefulness of this complexity. Physical limits include device limits as well as practical limits on power and cost. Program behavior limits result from unpredictable events occurring during execution. Architectures and implementations that span these limits are vital to the continued evolution of the microprocessor.