RISC vs. CISC Architecture: Which is Better?

Today, many people say that the difference between RISC and CISC computer processors is negligible and that their performance is essentially the same. But is that really true? The reality is that there are still plenty of differences between them and that can make one better suited to the other to certain applications.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the basics of microprocessors before delving into the deeper questions about RISC vs. CISC. 

What is a microprocessor?

RISC and CISC are both examples of different designs for computer microprocessors. The microprocessor, known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the computer. It reads instructions from memory that tells the computer what to do. Microprocessors use those instructions to perform very simple tasks, such as basic logic, controlling and input/output operations that are specified by the makers of the operating system.

RISC, which is an acronym for Reduced Instruction Set Computer, and CISC, short for Complex Instruction Set Computer, refer to the category of the processor, or more accurately, the instruction set architecture (ISA). The ISA is the particular way the processor communicates with the human programmer. The earliest computers had a CISC architecture, but in the 1980s, RISC architecture was developed to overcome the increasing complexity of CISC processors.

The CISC approach

The main idea behind CISC processors is that a single instruction can be used to do all of the loading, evaluating and storing operations. The goal of the CISC approach is to minimise the number of instructions per programme. However, that increases the number of cycles per instruction.

The RISC approach

The primary goal of RISC processors is to make hardware simpler by using an instruction set that’s composed of a few basic steps for loading, evaluating and storing operations. It’s not necessarily about having fewer instructions, it’s more about how those instructions are used. That reduces the number of cycles per instruction but comes at the cost of increasing the number of instructions per program.

What are the differences between RISC and CISC?

The purpose of both RISC and CISC architectures is to increase CPU performance, but they try to achieve that goal in different ways. Generally speaking, RISC is seen by many as an improvement over CISC. The argument for RISC over CISC is that having a less complicated set of instructions makes designing a CPU easier, cheaper and quicker.

The primary difference between RISC and CISC architecture is that RISC-based machines execute one instruction per clock cycle. In a CISC processor, each instruction performs so many actions that it takes several clock cycles to complete. In a RISC processor, every instruction also has a fixed memory size, which makes them easier to decode and execute. In a CISC machine, the instructions can be variable lengths, which increases the processing time. 

At a glance, the main differences between RISC and CISC architecture are as follows:

What is RISC-V?

Now we have an understanding of the differences between RISC and CISC architecture, let’s complicate things by introducing RISC-V. The electronics industry seems to have gone crazy for RISC-V (pronounced ‘risk-five’), but why?

RISC-V, like RISC and CISC, is an instruction set architecture (ISA). However, it is an open and free ISA. That means anyone can contribute to its development and it doesn’t cost a penny to use. This is significant because it allows smaller device manufacturers to build hardware without having to pay royalties. 

RICS-V has been designed to have a small, fixed-based ISA along with modular, fixed standard extensions that work well with the majority of code. That leaves plenty of room for application-specific extensions to create custom processors for specific workloads. 

The benefits of RICS-V over conventional RICS and CISC architecture include:

1. Flexibility - The ability to customise the processor allows engineers to configure chipsets to be big, small, powerful or lightweight, depending on the specific requirements of a device.

2. Innovation - Companies can implement the minimal instruction set and use custom extensions and defined extensions to create processors for cutting-edge tools. 

3. Reduced costs and faster to market - The reuse of open-source intellectual property helps to reduce the cost of development and enables companies to get their design to market more quickly.  

RISC vs. CISC vs. RISC V: Which is better?

The short answer is that no one architecture is better than the others. Each has its benefits and roadblocks, which make them better suited to particular scenarios. The key is to match up those advantages and roadblocks with the intended application to find the most appropriate instruction set architecture for you.