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Datapath-Controller Interaction

Description

This simulation demonstrates how a controller (FSM) manages a datapath to perform a simple computation. The datapath contains registers, an ALU, and multiplexers, while the controller generates the control signals for each step. Click the clock to advance the operation.

Learning Objectives

Bloom Level: Analyze (L4)

  • Analyze the interaction between datapath and controller
  • Trace control signals from FSM states to datapath operations
  • Understand how multi-cycle operations are sequenced
  • Identify datapath components and their roles

How to Use

  1. Click Clock to advance one cycle
  2. Watch the FSM transition between states (shown on the left)
  3. Observe control signals activating datapath components (shown on the right)
  4. Trace data flow through registers, MUX, and ALU
  5. Click Reset to restart the computation

References

  • Unit 13: System Integration - Datapath-Controller Architecture