📖 How the FDE Cycle Works
The Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycle is the fundamental process by which a CPU processes instructions. It repeats continuously while the computer is running.
- FETCH: The CPU retrieves the next instruction from RAM. The Program Counter (PC) holds the address, which is copied to the MAR, then the instruction is fetched and stored in the MDR.
- DECODE: The Control Unit interprets the instruction from the MDR, determining what operation needs to be performed.
- EXECUTE: The CPU carries out the instruction - this might involve the ALU performing calculations, with results stored in the Accumulator.
Drag the steps into the correct order below: