Special Purpose Registers
The index and pointer registers are collectively called as special purpose registers. These are 16-bit registers used as memory pointers and These registers generates 20- bit physical address. There are five 16-bit special purpose registers namely, Stack Pointer(SP), Base Pointer(BP), Source Index(SI), Destination Index(DI) and Instruction Pointer(IP).
The function of each general purpose registers are stated below:
- Stack Pointer(SP): Stack Pointer register is used to hold the topmost address of the stack memory, i.e., it stores the address of the memory location in which data was recently stored.
- Base Pointer(BP): It is used to store the base address of the memory.
- Source Index(SI): It is a memory pointer which is used to store the offset address of the source.
- Destination Index(DI): It is a memory pointer which is used to store the offset address of the destination.
- Instruction Pointer(IP): This register is used to hold the address of the next instruction which is to be executed.
Types of Registers in 8086 Microprocessor
A microprocessor is a register-based clock-driven digital device that is used for data processing. It is a multipurpose device that is capable of producing outputs when provided binary data as input. In computers, the microprocessor is like the brain, handling tasks and calculations. Inside the microprocessor are tiny storage units called registers.
An 8086 microprocessor is 40 pin microprocessor, which was designed by INTEL in 1976. It is a 16-bit microprocessor that has 20 address lines and provides storage up to 1MB. It provides two modes of operation:
- Minimum Mode, suitable for systems having multiple processors
- Maximum Mode, suitable for systems having single processors.
Table of Content
- Types of Registers in 8086 Microprocessor
- General Purpose Registers
- Segment Registers
- Special Purpose Registers
- Flag Register
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