Microcode

What Does Microcode Mean?

Microcode is the lowest specified level of processor and machine instructions sets. It is a layer comprised of small instruction sets, which are derived from machine language. Microcode performs short, control-level register operations, including multiple micro instructions, each of which performs one or more micro operations.

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Microcode and machine language differ. Machine language operates at the hardware abstraction’s upper layer. However, microcode deals with lower-level or circuit-based operations. Because microcode is usually embedded in hardware, it cannot be altered.

Techopedia Explains Microcode

Microcode is the result of lower-level machine language interpretation. It manages hardware resources at the register or circuitry level. Machine language interprets and sends machine instructions to the lowest hardware layer level where they are translated into small micro programs called microcodes. Each piece of microcode may contain one or more micro instructions, which perform circuit-based operations.

Microcode is stored in the ROM or in the erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) and cannot easily be modified by generic programmers. Microcode tasks include connecting different registers using arithmetic logic units, performing mathematical calculations and saving the results in the register.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…