Subject

    Computer Science

    Topic

    Computer Hardware

    In computer architecture, what is a 'pipeline hazard'?

    a)
    A security vulnerability in the CPU's microcode.
    b)
    A situation that prevents the next instruction in the instruction stream from executing during its designated clock cycle.
    c)
    An overflow error in the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
    d)
    A physical defect on the CPU die.

    Explanation

    Pipeline hazards stall the pipeline and reduce performance. There are three main types: structural hazards (resource conflict), data hazards (an instruction depends on the result of a previous, unfinished instruction), and control hazards (caused by branching).

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