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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.

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676 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.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

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