3 ms·
The cycle counts really don't back this theory up. And indeed, from that link: > Internally, it uses a 16-bit data arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and two more 16-
by tom_ 1y ago
The cycle counts really don't back this theory up. And indeed, from that link:
> Internally, it uses a 16-bit data arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and two more 16-bit ALUs used mostly for addresses,[4] and has a 16-bit external data bus.
- monocasa 1y agoLike a lot of things, the taxonomy kind of breaks down at the edges and arguments can be made either way. I will throw out there though that ALU width and buses are generally seen as orthogonal to 'bitness' of a processor, and more an implementation detail. The Z80 had a 4bit ALU, but is considered an 8bit CPU. The PDP-8/s and SERV have single bit ALUs, but are considered 12 and 32 bits respectively. The 8088 is considered a 16bit CPU despite having both an 8bit ALU and bus. 'Bitness' is generally defined more as 'what is the width of whatever is the closest thing to a GPR'.
- kstrauser 1y agoSeconded. If you were an ASM programmer, you’d have no idea it had a 16 bit ALU. All the ops were 32 bit, regardless of what the underlying silicon looked like.