Scribd
Upload
675 views4 pages

Multilevel Viewpoint of A Machine

Multilevel View Point of A Machine The document discusses the multilevel organization of computers from the lowest digital logic level up through various abstraction levels to the highest user level. It describes 6 levels from the physical digital circuit level to the control level, machine level, system software level, assembly language level, high-level language level, and finally the user level. Each higher level represents a greater abstraction and easier interface for the user, building on the lower levels of the machine.

Uploaded by

DikshikaArya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
675 views4 pages

Multilevel Viewpoint of A Machine

Multilevel View Point of A Machine The document discusses the multilevel organization of computers from the lowest digital logic level up through various abstraction levels to the highest user level. It describes 6 levels from the physical digital circuit level to the control level, machine level, system software level, assembly language level, high-level language level, and finally the user level. Each higher level represents a greater abstraction and easier interface for the user, building on the lower levels of the machine.

Uploaded by

DikshikaArya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Multilevel View Point of A Machine

Actual Multilevel Computer

The Computer Level Hierarchy


Multi-level organization:
Computers are designed as a series of levels
Each level represent a different abstraction (hence a different language)
The bottom level is the actual computer and its (real) machine language (low-level language)
The top-level is for High-Level Languages (C,C++,Java, Prolog) easier for the final user
The set of data types and operations of each level is called an architecture.
Choosing data types and operations for each level is a fundamental part of computer architecture
design.

Level 0: Digital Logic Level


o
This level is where we find digital circuits (the chips).
o
Digital circuits consist of gates and wires.
o
These components implement the mathematical logic of all other levels.
o
This level is where we view physical devices as just switches (On/Off)
o
Instead of viewing their physical behavior (i.e. in terms of voltages and currents) we use two
value logic i.e. 0 (off) and 1(on)
o
We will briefly look at the physical electronic components mainly the transistor technology
Level 1: Control Level
o
A control unit decodes and executes instructions and moves data through the system.
o
Control units can be microprogrammed or hardwired.
o
A microprogram is a program written in a low-level language that is implemented by the
hardware.
o
Hardwired control units consist of hardware that directly executes machine instructions.
o
Detailed organization of a processor implementation

How the control unit interprets machine instructions (from fetch thru execute stages)
o
There can be different implementations of a single ISA
o
This level is also called Control level
Level 2: Machine Level
o
Also known as the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) Level.
o
Consists of instructions that are particular to the architecture of the machine.
o
Programs written in machine language need no compilers, interpreters, or assemblers.
Level 3: System Software Level
o
Controls executing processes on the system.
o
Protects system resources.

o
o

Assembly language instructions often pass through Level 3 without modification.


Operating System software supervises other programs

Controls execution of multiple programs

Protects system resources. E.g. Memory and I/O devices


o
Other utilities

Compilers, Interpreters, Linkers, Library etc.


o
The software can be written in both assembly and high-level language

High-level is much more portable i.e. easier to modify to work on other machines
Level 4: Assembly Language Level
o
Acts upon assembly language produced from Level 5, as well as instructions programmed
directly at this level.
o
Lowest human readable form before dealing with 1s and 0s (machine language)
o
Assembler converts assembly to machine language
Level 5: High-Level Language Level
o
The level with which we interact when we write programs in languages such as C, Pascal,
Lisp, and Java
o
The level allows users to write their own application with languages such as C, Java and
many more
o
High-level languages are easier to read, write, and maintain
o
User at this level sees very little of the lower level
Level 6: The User Level
o
Program execution and user interface level.
o
The level with which we are most familiar.
o
Composed of application programs such as Word Processor,Paint etc.
o
The implementation of the application is hidden completely from the user

You might also like