CPU FUNCTIONS — THE INSTRUCTION CYCLE 1. SLIDE TITLE Main Title: CPU FUNCTIONS — THE INSTRUCTION CYCLE Suggested Design: Use a 4-step circular process diagram that continuously repeats, rather than long paragraphs of text. 2. THE 4 STEPS OF THE INSTRUCTION CYCLE FETCH → DECODE → EXECUTE → STORE (WRITEBACK) Step 1: FETCH — Retrieve the Instruction • Operation: The CPU accesses main memory (RAM) to retrieve the next instruction to be executed. • Details: The instruction address is managed by the Program Counter (PC) and the instruction is loaded into the Instruction Register (IR). Step 2: DECODE — Decode the Instruction • Operation: The Control Unit (CU) analyzes and decodes the retrieved instruction. • Details: The CPU determines what operation needs to be performed—such as addition, subtraction, data movement, or comparison—and identifies where the required operands are located. Step 3: EXECUTE — Execute the Instruction • Operation: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) receives the instruction and performs the required operation. • Details: The CPU performs arithmetic calculations, logical comparisons, or data transfers according to the instruction. Step 4: STORE (WRITEBACK) — Store the Result • Operation: The completed result is written to the designated storage location. • Details: The result is stored in internal CPU registers or written back to RAM, where it can be accessed by other instructions or applications.