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Computer Architecture
Introduction
By Thilina Wanshathilaka

Lesson Plan Introduction

01 • What is computer system
• Hardware and software component
• Type of computers

Historical Evolution
02 • Brief history of computing devices.
• Evolution from early mechanical computers to modern electronic
computers.
• Milestones in computer architecture development

Key Component of Computer System

03 • Overview of Central Processing Unit (CPU), Memory, and
Input/Output devices.
• Functional roles and interactions of these components.
• Importance of the motherboard in connecting these components

Closing Todays Lecture

04 • Summary Of Todays lecture
• Q &A
• Next Lecture

Introduction

What is computer
Computer is a programmable electronic device that
can be program to accept Inputs in term of data and
process that data then generate output as desired
format.
To perform this task computer system include
hardware devices which is physical component of the
system and software which is the instructions how to
process above data to generate desired output.

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Introduction

Hardware Component
Hardware refers to the physical components that make
up a computer system or electronic device. These
tangible parts are the machinery and equipment that
perform the processing, storage, input, and output
functions of a computer. Hardware can range from
simple devices like a computer mouse to complex
components such as the central processing unit (CPU)
of a computer.

Introduction

Hardware Component
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Memory (RAM and Storage)
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Storage (Hard Drives, Solid State Drives)
• Motherboard
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Input Devices:
• Keyboard
• Mouse or Touchpad
• Other Input Devices
• Output Devices:
• Monitor or Display
• Printer
• Speakers
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Expansion Cards
• Cooling Systems

Introduction

Software Component
Software refers to a set of instructions or programs
that tell a computer or other hardware how to perform
specific tasks. Unlike hardware, which represents the
physical components of a computer system, software is
intangible and consists of code written in programming
languages.

Software can be broadly categorized into two main

types: system software and application software.

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Introduction

Software Component
• System Software:
• Operating Systems
• Device Drivers
• Utilities
• Firmware.
• Application Software:
• Productivity Software.
• Media and Entertainment Software
• Communication Software
• Business Software
• Educational Software
• Gaming Software
• Custom Software

Introduction
Type of computers
Computers come in various types and sizes, designed to cater to
different needs and applications. Here are some common types of
computers:
• Personal Computers (PCs):
• Desktop Computers: These are traditional computers
designed to be placed on a desk. They consist of a separate
monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the main processing unit.
• Laptops: Portable computers with an integrated display,
keyboard, and pointing device. Laptops are suitable for on-
the-go use.
• Servers:
• File Servers: Designed to store, manage, and distribute files
and data across a network.
• Web Servers: Host and deliver web content and services over
the internet.
• Database Servers: Dedicated to managing databases and
processing database-related requests.

Introduction
Type of computers
Mainframe Computers:
Powerful, large-scale computers capable of handling extensive
data processing and supporting multiple users simultaneously.
Mainframes are often used in enterprises for critical business
applications.
Supercomputers:
Extremely powerful computers designed to perform complex
calculations and simulations at very high speeds.
Supercomputers are used for scientific research, weather
modeling, and other computationally intensive tasks.
Embedded Computers:
Integrated into other devices or systems, such as household
appliances, automobiles, industrial machines, and consumer
electronics. They are designed for specific functions within
these devices.

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Introduction
Type of computers
Gaming Consoles:
Dedicated computers designed specifically for playing
video games. Examples include gaming consoles like
PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Smartphones and Tablets:
Portable devices with computing capabilities, including
smartphones (like iPhones and Android devices) and
tablets (like iPads and Android tablets). They are
designed for communication, productivity, and
entertainment.
Wearable Computers:
Small, wearable devices with computing capabilities,
such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. They often
connect to smartphones or other devices for extended
functionality.

Introduction

Type of computers
Microcontrollers:
Small, specialized computers embedded in various
electronic devices to control specific functions.
Commonly found in household appliances, robotics, and
automation systems.
Quantum Computers:
Experimental and highly specialized computers that use
the principles of quantum mechanics for processing
information. Quantum computers have the potential to
solve certain types of problems much faster than
classical computers.

Historical Evolution
Slide Rule 17th Century Antikythera Mechanism Abacus 2400 BCE
Pascaline 1642
150-100 BCE

Invented by Blaise Pascal, the

Pascaline was an early
mechanical calculator that The abacus is one of the
developed in the 17th century, Often considered the earliest
could perform addition and earliest computing devices,
was a mechanical device used analog computer, have been
subtraction through a series of used for arithmetic
for performing multiplication, used for astronomical
gears and wheels. calculations
division, and other calculations and predictions.
mathematical operations. . Claude Shannon's
Analytical Engine Concept Invention of Vacuum tube
Hollerith's Tabulating master's thesis
1837 1904
Machine 1889 1937

demonstrated how Boolean

invented by Sir John Ambrose algebra could be applied to the
Designed by Charles Babbage, Herman Hollerith's punched design of electronic circuits.
Fleming. The vacuum tube
the Analytical Engine is card system was used to This work laid the foundation
played a crucial role in early
considered the first concept of process data for the U.S. for digital circuit design and
electronic technology, serving
a general-purpose computer. It Census. This marked the the concept of a binary
as a key component in early
was never fully built during beginning of using punched system, which is fundamental
computers and electronic
Babbage's lifetime cards for data processing. to modern computers.
devices.

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Historical Evolution
Microchip Silicon Transistor
ENIAC 1946 Model K and Model I
1957 1947 1937 and 1940

Jack Kilby, an engineer at Texas

The Electronic Numerical John Stibitz invent complex
Instruments, demonstrated The invention of first working
Integrator and Computer number computer using relays.
the first working integrated transistor by John Bardeen,
(ENIAC) was the first general- The Model I was a binary
circuit Walter Brattain, and William
purpose electronic digital digital computer that used
Shockley at Bell Laboratories
computer.. electromagnetic relays for
PC Revolution 1980
Internet Age 1990s Smartphones and Mobile processing and storage.
Computing 2000s

Cloud Computing and AI

widespread adoption of the 2010s
The 1980s saw the rise of internet, transforming The 2000s witnessed the rise Cloud computing became a
personal computers, with computing and of smartphones, combining dominant paradigm, enabling
IBM's PC and the introduction communication. The World computing, communication, remote storage and processing
of the graphical user interface Wide Web became accessible and multimedia capabilities in of data. Artificial intelligence
(GUI) operating systems like to the public, leading to the a handheld device. and machine learning
windows development of online applications saw significant
services and e-commerce. advancements

Clock Speed Parallel Processing Multicore

number of cycles per CPUs with features Allows for parallel
second that the CPU supporting parallel processing
can execute processing, such as multitasking
SIMD capabilities.

Cache Memory ISA Architecture Multithread

Stores frequently defines the set of Number of threads
accessed data and instructions that a per core.
instructions CPU can execute

Central Processing Unit

CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer is a critical
component responsible for carrying out instructions and
performing calculations necessary for the operation of a
computer system. It is often referred to as the "brain" of the
computer
The primary function of the CPU is to execute instructions
stored in computer programs. It performs arithmetic and
logic operations, manages data flow, and controls other
hardware components to execute tasks.

Central Processing Unit

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer is a critical

component responsible for carrying out instructions and
performing calculations necessary for the operation of a computer
system. It is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer.

• The primary function of the CPU is to execute instructions stored

in computer programs. It performs arithmetic and logic
operations, manages data flow, and controls other hardware
components to execute tasks.

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Central Processing Unit

The CPU consists of several key components:

• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Executes
arithmetic and logical operations.
• Control Unit: Manages the flow of data between
the CPU, memory, and other components. It
fetches and decodes instructions.
• Registers: Registers are small, high-speed storage
locations within the CPU. They store data that is
actively being used or processed. Registers play a
crucial role in the speed and efficiency of the CPU

Computer memory refers to the electronic

storage where data and instructions are
temporarily stored for quick access by the
computer's central processing unit (CPU).

Memory is a crucial component for the

functioning of a computer, allowing it to
store and retrieve information efficiently.
Computer There are different types of computer
memory, each serving specific purposes in
Memory the overall operation of the system.

Random Access Memory Read-Only Memory (ROM) Virtual Memory

Cache Memory
(RAM)
• ROM is non-volatile memory • Cache memory is a small, high- • Virtual memory is a portion of
• RAM is volatile memory that that stores firmware or speed memory located between the hard drive used to
stores data and program code permanent instructions for the CPU and RAM. supplement physical RAM.
actively being used by the CPU. booting the computer. • It stores frequently accessed • When RAM is insufficient for
• It provides fast read and write • It retains its contents even when data and instructions to reduce running programs, data is
access, allowing for quick the power is turned off. the time needed to fetch temporarily moved to the hard
retrieval and modification of • ROM is typically used to store information from RAM. drive.
data. the BIOS or firmware of the • Cache memory comes in levels • Virtual memory allows the
• The contents of RAM are computer. (L1, L2, L3), with L1 being the computer to run more
temporary and are lost when smallest but fastest and L3 being applications simultaneously.
the power is turned off. larger but slower

Types of
Computer
Memory

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Computer Memory Operations

• Data Storage:
• When a computer is powered on, the operating system and application
programs are loaded into RAM.
• RAM stores data in binary form, using electrical charges to represent 0s
and 1s.

• Read and Write Operations:

• The CPU performs read and write operations on memory. Reading
involves retrieving data or instructions from memory, while writing
involves storing new data.

Computer Memory Operations

• Addressing:
• Each byte in memory has a unique address, allowing the CPU to access
specific locations. The combination of the memory address and data
forms a memory cell.
• Volatility:
• RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the power is turned
off. This allows for quick data manipulation but requires data to be stored
in more permanent forms (e.g., hard drives).

Computer Memory Operations

• Cache Operations:
• Cache memory operates on the principle of spatial and temporal locality.
Frequently accessed data is stored in cache for quicker retrieval.
• Cache uses smaller but faster memory cells, reducing the time needed for
the CPU to access data.
• Page File (Swap Space):
• Virtual memory relies on a page file or swap space on the hard drive. Data
not actively used can be swapped between RAM and the page file to
manage memory resources efficiently.

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What is Mother Board

• The motherboard, also known as the mainboard or system
board, is a crucial component in a computer system, serving as
the central hub that connects and facilitates communication
between various hardware components.

• Its importance lies in providing connectivity, power distribution,

and a platform for system initialization, making it a critical
element for the proper functioning of a computer system.

Motherboard Operations

• Central Communication Hub:

• The motherboard acts as the central nervous system of the computer,
providing a platform for communication between all the connected
components. It serves as a conduit for data transfer and ensures
coordination among different hardware elements.
• Processor Connection:
• The CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is often considered the brain of
the computer, is mounted on the motherboard. The motherboard
provides the necessary infrastructure for the CPU to communicate with
other components, such as memory and peripheral devices.

Motherboard Operations

• Memory Slots:
• Motherboards feature memory slots where RAM (Random Access
Memory) modules are installed. RAM is crucial for the system's
performance, as it provides fast and temporary storage for actively
running applications and the operating system.
• Expansion Slots:
• Expansion slots on the motherboard allow for the installation of
additional hardware components, such as graphics cards, sound cards,
network cards, and other expansion cards. This modularity enables users
to customize and upgrade their systems based on their needs.

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Motherboard Operations

• Peripheral Connections:
• Motherboards provide various connectors for peripheral devices,
including USB ports, audio jacks, SATA ports for connecting storage drives,
and more. These connections facilitate communication with external
devices and peripherals.
• Power Distribution:
• The motherboard distributes power to different components, ensuring
that each part of the system receives the appropriate voltage. It includes
power connectors for the CPU, memory, and other components.

Motherboard Operations

• BIOS/UEFI Firmware:
• The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware
Interface (UEFI) is stored on the motherboard. This firmware initializes the
hardware components during the boot process and provides a basic
interface for configuring system settings.
• Data Bus and Chipset:
• The motherboard's data bus and chipset play a crucial role in managing
data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripherals. The chipset serves
as a controller that coordinates data transfer and communication among
various components.

Input and Input Device Output Device

Input devices are hardware Output devices display or present

Output Devices components that allow users to input
data into a computer. They facilitate
information processed by the
computer. They convert digital signals
communication between the user and into a form that is understandable and
the computer by converting physical usable by humans. Common output
actions or information into digital devices include:
signals that the computer can Monitor/Display
understand. Common input devices Printer
include: Projector
• Keyboard Speakers
• Mouse Headphones
• Touchpad Plotters.
• Touchscreen Haptic Devices.
• Scanner
• Microphone
• Webcam
• Joystick, Gamepad, and Steering
Wheel

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Input Device

• Keyboard:
• Functionality: Keyboards are one of the primary input devices. They consist of keys, each
representing a specific alphanumeric character, symbol, or function. Users press keys to
input data, commands, or text.
• Variants: Keyboards come in various forms, including standard desktop keyboards,
ergonomic keyboards designed for comfort, and compact keyboards for mobile devices.
• Mouse:
• Functionality: A mouse is a pointing device that allows users to interact with graphical
interfaces. It typically has two buttons and a scroll wheel. Users move the mouse to
position the cursor on the screen and click the buttons to initiate actions.
• Types: Optical mice use LED sensors, while mechanical mice use a ball. Modern mice
may also include additional buttons and features, such as side buttons and customizable
settings.

Input Device

• Touchpad:
• Functionality: Commonly found in laptops, touchpads provide a touch-sensitive
surface for controlling the cursor. Users can swipe, tap, or pinch to navigate and
interact with the computer without an external mouse.
• Gesture Support: Many touchpads support multi-touch gestures, allowing users
to perform actions like zooming, rotating, or scrolling with multiple fingers.
• Touchscreen:
• Functionality: Touchscreens are display panels that respond to touch, allowing
users to interact directly with the screen. They are prevalent in smartphones,
tablets, and interactive kiosks.
• Applications: Touchscreens enhance user interfaces, enabling intuitive
interactions through gestures like tapping, dragging, and pinching.

Input Device

• Microphone:
• Functionality: Microphones capture audio signals and convert them into digital
data. They are crucial for voice input, communication applications, and recording
audio.
• Applications: Used in voice recognition systems, online communication tools,
voice commands for virtual assistants, and audio recording.
• Webcam:
• Functionality: Webcams capture video and still images. They are commonly
integrated into laptops or external devices and are used for video conferencing,
live streaming, or recording videos.
• Resolution: Webcams come in various resolutions, with higher resolutions
providing clearer images and videos.

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Input Device

• Scanner:
• Functionality: Scanners convert physical documents or images into digital
format. They use sensors to capture the content, and the resulting digital image
can be stored or further processed on a computer.
• Types: Flatbed scanners are suitable for scanning documents, while sheet-fed
scanners are ideal for multiple-page documents. Handheld and portable scanners
are also available.
• Joystick, Gamepad, and Steering Wheel:
• Functionality: These devices are designed for gaming and simulations, providing
a more immersive experience. Joysticks and gamepads offer control in games,
while steering wheels simulate driving in racing games.
• Precision and Feedback: Gaming input devices often feature precise controls,
force feedback, and additional buttons for enhanced gaming experiences.

Output Device

• Monitor/Display:
• Functionality: Monitors or displays are visual output devices that present digital
information on a screen. They come in various types, including LCD, LED, OLED,
and CRT.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: The quality of a monitor is often described by its
resolution (number of pixels) and refresh rate (how many times the image is
refreshed per second).
• Printer:
• Functionality: Printers produce hard copies of digital documents or images on
paper or other media. Common types include inkjet, laser, and dot matrix
printers.
• Resolution and Printing Speed: Printers vary in print resolution and speed,
affecting the quality and speed of printed output.

Output Device

• Projector:
• Functionality: Projectors display computer-generated content on a larger screen
or surface, making them ideal for presentations, movie screenings, or classroom
use.
• Types: There are various types of projectors, including DLP (Digital Light
Processing), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon).
• Speakers:
• Functionality: Speakers are audio output devices that produce sound based on
digital signals received from a computer or other devices.
• Types: Different speaker configurations include stereo, 2.1, 5.1, and surround
sound systems, each providing a different audio experience.

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Output Device

• Headphones:
• Functionality: Headphones provide private audio output and are worn over or
inside the ears. They are commonly used for listening to music, gaming, and
participating in virtual meetings.
• Types: Headphones come in various types, such as over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and
wireless, catering to different preferences.
• Haptic Devices:
• Functionality: Haptic devices provide tactile feedback, allowing users to feel
sensations related to on-screen interactions. They enhance the sense of touch in
virtual and augmented reality experiences.
• Applications: Used in gaming controllers, virtual simulations, and medical
training to simulate touch and force feedback.

Output Device

• Plotters:
• Functionality: Plotters are specialized output devices used for printing high-
quality, large-scale graphical images. They use pens or other drawing tools to
create detailed prints.
• Applications: Commonly used in engineering, architecture, and design for
producing detailed technical drawings and schematics.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses:
• Functionality: AR glasses overlay digital information onto the user's view of the
real world, providing a mixed-reality experience.
• Applications: Used in fields like gaming, navigation, education, and industrial
settings to enhance real-world experiences with digital elements.

Digital Storage
Device Storage Device

Storage devices play a critical role in computing by providing a means to store and retrieve data.
They come in various forms, each with its own set of characteristics, advantages, and use cases

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Provides non-volatile storage using magnetic storage technology,
suitable for long-term data storage.
• Solid State Drive (SSD): Uses NAND-based flash memory for faster data access, commonly
used for both operating system and application storage.
• USB Flash Drive: Portable, solid-state storage devices that connect via USB ports, ideal for
transferring and storing data.
• Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): Read and write data to optical discs, suitable for storing
large amounts of data, software, or multimedia.
• Memory Cards: Compact, removable storage devices commonly used in cameras,
smartphones, and other portable devices.
• Cloud Storage: Online storage services that allow users to store and access data over the
internet, offering flexibility and accessibility.

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Storage Device

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD):

• Functionality: HDDs are non-volatile storage devices that use magnetic storage
technology. They consist of spinning disks (platters) coated with a magnetic
material, and a read/write head that accesses data on the platters.
• Capacity and Speed: HDDs are available in various capacities, ranging from
gigabytes to terabytes. While they provide ample storage, their access speeds
are slower compared to solid-state drives (SSDs).
• Solid State Drive (SSD):
• Functionality: SSDs use NAND-based flash memory for data storage. Unlike
HDDs, they have no moving parts, resulting in faster read and write speeds and
improved durability.
• Advantages: SSDs offer faster boot times, quicker data access, and increased
energy efficiency. They are commonly used as primary storage for operating
systems and applications.

Storage Device

• USB Flash Drive:

• Functionality: USB flash drives, or thumb drives, are portable storage devices
that connect to computers via USB ports. They use flash memory to store data
and are highly portable and convenient.
• Applications: USB flash drives are often used for data transfer, backup, and as
portable storage for documents, multimedia, and software.
• Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray):
• Functionality: Optical drives read and write data to optical discs such as CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. They use lasers to read or write data onto the reflective
surface of the disc.
• Usage: While optical drives are less common in modern laptops, they are still
used for installing software, playing media, and creating data backups.

Storage Device

• Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray):

• Functionality: Optical drives read and write data to optical discs such as CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. They use lasers to read or write data onto the reflective
surface of the disc.
• Usage: While optical drives are less common in modern laptops, they are still
used for installing software, playing media, and creating data backups.
• Memory Cards:
• Functionality: Memory cards are small, removable storage devices commonly
used in cameras, smartphones, and other portable devices. They use flash
memory for data storage.
• Types: Common formats include SD (Secure Digital), microSD, and CompactFlash.
They vary in size and capacity, suitable for different devices.

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Storage Device

• Cloud Storage:
• Functionality: Cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessible
over the internet. Users can upload, access, and manage their data from
anywhere with an internet connection.
• Advantages: Cloud storage offers flexibility, scalability, and the ability to
collaborate on documents. Popular cloud storage services include Dropbox,
Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive.
• External Hard Drive:
• Functionality: External hard drives are portable HDDs or SSDs enclosed in an
external casing. They connect to computers via USB, Thunderbolt, or other
interfaces.
• Backup and Expansion: External hard drives are commonly used for data backup,
additional storage space, or transporting large amounts of data between
computers.

Any Questions ?

THANK YOU
End Of Session 1

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