ARM Assembly Instructions Quiz

Patterns of bits with specific interpretations used by microcontrollers.

Software that translates C/C++ code into assembler code.

Code in a lower-level programming language, often intermediate between C/C++ and machine instructions.

A performance hit when instructions alter the program counter (PC).

Sequence of steps executed by a microcontroller.

Register pointing to the next instruction to execute.

Reduced performance caused by actions like instruction pipeline flush.

Organization of data in computer memory.

A number system that uses ten digits (0-9) to represent values. Each digit's position indicates a power of 10.

A number system using only two digits (0 and 1). Each digit's position represents a power of 2.

A number system using 16 digits (0-9 and A-F) to represent values. Each digit represents four bits (a nibble).

A binary digit, either 0 or 1

A group of four bits

A shorthand for the decimal system. Base-10 numbers represent values as a power of 10.

A shorthand for the binary system. Base-2 numbers represent values as a power of 2.

A shorthand for the hexadecimal system. Base-16 numbers represent values as a power of 16.

Branches to an address stored in a register.

Branches, saving the current program location for later return.

Branches and exchanges, linking for return with address in register.

Compares and branches if zero. CMP & BEQ combined.

Compares, branches if NOT zero; combines CMP & BNE.

Arrangement of bits in memory, e.g., a 32x32 core memory plane storing 1024 bits.

Memory that retains data even when power is off, like magnetic core memory.

Dynamic RAM; stores data as charge on a capacitor, needs refreshing.

Static RAM; stores data in cross-coupled inverters, no refreshing needed.

Memory that loses data when power is off, like DRAM and SRAM.

The process of rewriting data in DRAM to maintain its storage.

Read-Only Memory; stores data based on transistor presence/absence.

Programmable ROM; allows configuring transistors to store data later.

ARM uses the stack for passing function arguments beyond R0-R3, saving registers (R4-R8, R10, R11, and SP) for temporary calculations, storing local variables, and preserving processor state during function calls or interrupts.

A special register that manages the stack's memory location. Decrements when data is pushed, increments when data is popped.

Function arguments larger than 2 words are put onto the stack, with smaller arguments fit in registers.

The stack grows towards lower memory addresses as values are pushed onto it and shrinks towards higher addresses as values are popped.

Functions must save values of designated registers (R4-R8, R10, R11) and SP before modifying them and restore them before return to caller function.

While ARM uses normal memory instructions, the compiler utilizes auto-increment/decrement of the stack pointer automatically within PUSH/POP operations for adding or removing values from the stack.

Functions use the stack to store local variables that do not fit in the available registers. Data must be removed before returning.

The stack is used to store the processor's state (such as register values LR) before calling functions or handling interrupts, ensuring that return addresses and other vital information are not overwritten.

A stack where the stack pointer decreases as data is added. Data is stored in memory locations with high addresses to low addresses

A stack where the stack pointer increases as data is added. Data is stored from low to high memory addresses.

The stack is 'full' when the Stack Pointer (SP) points to the last item on the stack.

The stack is 'empty' when the Stack Pointer (SP) points to the next available memory location.

Adding a new item (e.g., a data value) to the stack, adjusting the stack pointer (SP).

Removing an item from the stack, adjusting the stack pointer.

A register that keeps track of the current location of the stack's top element in memory.

A common use of a stack is to save function registers for later restoration after function returns