ATMEGA8U2_14 Datasheet, PDF (7/310 Pages) ATMEL Corporation – 125 Powerful Instructions – Most Single Clock Cycle Execution

ATmega8U2/16U2/32U2
6. AVR CPU Core
6.1 Introduction
This section discusses the AVR core architecture in general. The main function of the CPU core
is to ensure correct program execution. The CPU must therefore be able to access memories,
perform calculations, control peripherals, and handle interrupts.
6.2 Architectural Overview
Figure 6-1. Block Diagram of the AVR Architecture
Flash
Program
Memory
Instruction
Register
Instruction
Decoder
Control Lines
Program
Counter
Data Bus 8-bit
Status
and Control
32 x 8
General
Purpose
Registrers
ALU
Interrupt
Unit
SPI
Unit
Watchdog
Timer
Analog
Comparator
Data
SRAM
EEPROM
I/O Module1
I/O Module 2
I/O Module n
I/O Lines
In order to maximize performance and parallelism, the AVR uses a Harvard architecture – with
separate memories and buses for program and data. Instructions in the program memory are
executed with a single level pipelining. While one instruction is being executed, the next instruc-
tion is pre-fetched from the program memory. This concept enables instructions to be executed
in every clock cycle. The program memory is In-System Reprogrammable Flash memory.
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