Technical Report Writing
on
Timing Diagram Analysis of Machine
Cycles in the 8085 Microprocessor
Submitted by
Name: Anwesh Laha
Department: ECE
Semester: 4th
University Roll no.: 16900324163
Department of: Electronics and Communication Engineering
ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY
AEDCONAGAR, HOOGLY – 712121
WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Abstract
This report analyzes the timing diagrams of machine cycles in
the 8085 microprocessor. It explains instruction execution,
signal behavior, and synchronization using clock cycles, along
with detailed diagrams and interpretations for understanding
system performance and operation.
1. Introduction
The 8085 microprocessor is one of the most widely studied 8-
bit microprocessors, known for its simple architecture and
ease of understanding. It plays a significant role in learning
the fundamentals of microprocessor-based systems. One of
the most critical aspects of its operation is the execution of
instructions, which occurs through a sequence of machine
cycles and timing states.
A key challenge in understanding microprocessor operation is
analyzing how different control and data signals behave
during instruction execution. Timing diagrams provide a
graphical representation of these signals, helping to visualize
how data is transferred between the processor, memory, and
input/output devices.
The purpose of this report is to study and analyze the timing
diagrams of various machine cycles in the 8085
microprocessor. It focuses on understanding clock cycles,
opcode fetch, memory read/write, and I/O operations. The
report is structured into theory, methodology, analysis of
timing diagrams, results, and applications, followed by a
conclusion and references.
2. Procedure and Discussion
2.1 Basic Concepts of 8085 Microprocessor:
The 8085 is an 8-bit microprocessor with a 16-bit address bus
and an 8-bit data bus. It operates at a clock frequency
typically around 3 MHz. It uses multiplexed address/data lines
(AD0–AD7), which require external latching.
Key features:
8-bit data processing
16-bit addressing capability
Five interrupt lines
Serial I/O capability
2.2 Instruction Cycle, Machine Cycle, and T-State:
The execution of an instruction in 8085 involves three
hierarchical levels:
Instruction Cycle: Complete execution of one instruction
Machine Cycle: Basic operation like memory read/write
T-State (Clock Cycle): Smallest time unit (one clock
period)
Table 1: Relationship
Level Description
Instruction Cycle Multiple machine
cycles
Machine Cycle Multiple T-states
T-State One clock pulse
2.3 Types of Machine Cycles in 8085:
1. Opcode Fetch Cycle
2. Memory Read Cycle
3. Memory Write Cycle
4. I/O Read Cycle
5. I/O Write Cycle
6. Interrupt Acknowledge Cycle
2.4 Timing Signals in 8085:
Important signals used in timing diagrams:
ALE (Address Latch Enable): Demultiplexes
address/data
RD̅ (Read): Indicates read operation
WR̅ (Write): Indicates write operation
IO/M̅ : Distinguishes memory and I/O
S0, S1: Status signals
READY: Synchronization with slow devices
2.5 Opcode Fetch Cycle Timing Diagram:
The opcode fetch cycle is the first machine cycle in any
instruction execution.
Characteristics:
Typically 4 to 6 T-states
Fetches instruction opcode from memory
IO/M̅ = 0, RD̅ = 0
Figure 1: Opcode Fetch Timing Diagram:
T1 T2 T3 T4
|-----|-----|-----|-----|
Address --> Valid
Data --> Opcode read
ALE --> Pulse in T1
RD̅ --> Low in T2-T3
Analysis:
Address is placed on bus during T1
ALE enables latching
Data is read during T2 and T3
Instruction is decoded in T4
2.6 Memory Read Cycle:
Used to read data from memory.
Figure 2: Memory Read Timing Diagram
T1 T2 T3
|-----|-----|-----|
Address --> Valid
RD̅ --> Low during T2-T3
Data --> Read from memory
Observations:
No opcode decoding
Shorter than opcode fetch cycle
2.7 Memory Write Cycle:
Used to write data into memory.
Figure 3: Memory Write Timing Diagram
T1 T2 T3
|-----|-----|-----|
Address --> Valid
WR̅ --> Low during T2-T3
Data --> Sent to memory
Analysis:
Data is placed on bus by CPU
WR̅ controls writing operation
2.8 I/O Read and Write Cycles
These cycles are similar to memory operations but involve I/O
devices.
Table 2: Comparison
Feature Memory Cycle I/O Cycle
IO/M̅ 0 1
Address Range 16-bit 8-bit
Devices Memory I/O Ports
2.9 Timing Diagram Analysis:
Timing diagrams help in understanding:
Synchronization of signals
Data transfer mechanism
CPU interaction with peripherals
Key Findings:
ALE is active only in T1
RD̅ /WR̅ active during data transfer
Address remains stable during operation
2.10 Role of READY Signal:
Used for slow devices
Inserts wait states
Extends machine cycle
Example:
If READY = 0 → CPU waits
If READY = 1 → Execution continues
2.11 Calculations of Timing:
Let clock frequency = 3 MHz
Time period =
= 1 / 3 MHz
= 0.333 µs
For opcode fetch (4 T-states):
Total time = 4 × 0.333 = 1.332 µs
2.12 Applications of Timing Diagram Analysis:
Microprocessor system design
Troubleshooting hardware issues
Interfacing memory and I/O devices
Performance optimization
2.13 Advantages and Limitations:
Advantages:
Visual understanding of operations
Helps in debugging
Essential for hardware design
Limitations:
Complex for large systems
Requires deep understanding of signals
3. Conclusion
The timing diagram analysis of machine cycles in the 8085
microprocessor provides a clear understanding of instruction
execution and signal coordination. It highlights the
importance of clock cycles, control signals, and
synchronization in system performance, making it essential
for designing and analyzing microprocessor-based systems
effectively.
4. References
1. Microprocessor Architecture, Programming and
Applications with 8085 — Ramesh Gaonkar; Penram
2. Microprocessors & Microcontrollers — N. Senthil Kumar,
M. Saravanan & Jeevananthan; Oxford, 2nd Edition
3. Microprocessors: Principles and Applications — Charles
M. Gilmore; McGraw-Hill
4. Microprocessor Systems: The 8086/8088 Family — Yu-
Cheng Liu & Glenn A. Gibson; Prentice Hall
5. Fundamentals of Microprocessors and Microcontrollers —
B. Ram; Dhanpat Rai Publications
6. Advanced Microprocessors and Peripherals — A.K. Ray
& K.M. Bhurchandi; McGraw-Hill