program counter

A Dictionary of Computing | 2004 | 469 words | Copyright

program counter (instruction counter; current address register) A counting register that normally increments in each instruction cycle to obtain the program sequence (i.e. the sequence of instructions) from memory locations. This counter will have its contents changed by branch instructions to obtain the next instruction from the branch target. The program counter forms part of the processor status word; this enables subsequent restarting of an interrupted program.

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JOHN DAINTITH. "program counter." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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