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Difference Between Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture 57

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Difference Between Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture 57

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Difference Between Von

Neumann and Harvard


Architecture

In Von Neumann's design, the programs and data are stored in the same memory
space and treated as one. We will see the difference between Von Neumann and
Harvard Architecture based on metrics such as speed, performance, etc, which will help
clarify doubts regarding these architectures for the GATE exam preparation.

Key Differences Between Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture


Von Neumann Architecture Harvard Architecture
The same physical memory is used to Separate physical memory is provided to
store instructions and data. store instructions and data.
It is based on the stored-program
It is based on relay-based computer models.
concept.
Common bus for transferring instructions Separate buses are used to transfer
and data. instructions and data.
Two clock cycles are used to execute a A single clock cycle is used to execute a
single instruction. single instruction.
It is cheaper in comparison to Harvard It is more expensive than Von Neumann’s
architecture. architecture.
Used in microcontrollers and signal
Used in personal computers.
processing.

Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture


Von Neumann's architecture was designed by renowned mathematician and physicist
John Von Neumann in 1945. Harvard Architecture originated from relay-based
computers that stored data in electro-mechanical counters and instructions on punched
tapes. Both architectures hold an important weightage in the GATE CSE syllabus.

What is Von Neumann Architecture?

The computers are based on the stored-program concept. A stored program keeps data
and program instructions in RAM, where instruction fetch, and a data operation cannot
occur simultaneously.
This process is referred to as the Von Neumann bottleneck. Due to this bottleneck, the
performance of Von Neumann’s architecture is limited. The Von Neumann architecture
is as follows:

What is Harvard Architecture?

This microcontroller design has separate storage areas and signals for instructions and
data. The basic difference between Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture is the
contrast in the storage area for instructions and data. Unlike Harvard, Von Neumann
has the same storage unit for programs and instructions. However, modern processors
use Von Neumann microcontrollers.

The Harvard architecture is as follows:

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