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Course Note 3

Basic machine architecture refers to the fundamental structure of a computer system, including the CPU, memory, I/O devices, system bus, and instruction set architecture. The Von Neumann architecture, proposed by John von Neumann, is a key model where instructions and data are stored in the same memory, allowing for sequential execution. Variations of this architecture exist, such as Harvard architecture and modern multicore processors.

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4 views3 pages

Course Note 3

Basic machine architecture refers to the fundamental structure of a computer system, including the CPU, memory, I/O devices, system bus, and instruction set architecture. The Von Neumann architecture, proposed by John von Neumann, is a key model where instructions and data are stored in the same memory, allowing for sequential execution. Variations of this architecture exist, such as Harvard architecture and modern multicore processors.

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BASIC MACHINE ARCHITECTURE

The term "basic machine architecture" generally refers to the fundamental structure and
organization of a computer system at its core level. It encompasses the essential components and
their interactions that enable a computer to execute instructions and perform tasks.

Here are the primary elements of basic machine architecture:

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the brain of the computer responsible for
executing instructions. It consists of:

 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

 Control Unit: Manages the execution of instructions, fetching them from


memory, decoding them, and controlling the data flow.

2. Memory: Storage where both instructions and data are held temporarily for processing. It
includes:

 Random Access Memory (RAM): Volatile memory that stores data and
instructions for quick access by the CPU.

 Read-Only Memory (ROM): Non-volatile memory storing critical instructions


required to boot the system.

3. Input/Output (I/O) Devices: Enable communication between the computer and the
external world. Examples include keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, and networking
devices.

4. System Bus: Communication pathways that facilitate the transfer of data and instructions
between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.

5. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): Defines the set of instructions that the CPU can
execute, specifying their formats, operations, and addressing modes.
6. Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU used for holding data being
actively processed, temporary storage of intermediate results, and holding memory
addresses.

7. Control Signals and Clock: Signals that coordinate and control the flow of data and
instructions within the computer, synchronized by a clock signal that regulates the timing
of operations.

This basic machine architecture, often referred to as the Von Neumann architecture, forms the
foundation for most modern computers. It's named after mathematician and physicist John von
Neumann, who proposed this concept in the 1940s. In this architecture, instructions and data are
stored in the same memory, and the CPU fetches and executes instructions sequentially.

However, there are variations and enhancements to this basic architecture, such as Harvard
architecture (separate memory for instructions and data) and modern variations like multicore
processors and specialized processing units designed for specific tasks (like GPUs for graphics
processing).

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE: Iis concerned with the way hardware components are
connected together to form a computer system. It deals with design of computers, data
storage devices and networking components that store and run programs, transmit data
and drive interaction between computers across networks and with users. s

ii. The Types are:


1. Von-Neumann Architecture 2. Harvard Architecture 3. Instruction Set
Architecture
4. Micro Architecture 5. System Design

Von Neumann architecture

The Von Neumann architecture is a fundamental concept in computer science and refers to the
design model for a digital computer. It was proposed by mathematician and physicist John von
Neumann in the late 1940s and has been the foundation for most modern computers.

The key components of the Von Neumann architecture include:


 Central Processing Unit (CPU): Responsible for executing instructions and performing
arithmetic and logical operations. It consists of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and
control unit.

 Memory: This stores both data and instructions that the CPU can access. In the Von
Neumann architecture, instructions and data are stored in the same memory, allowing
programs to be easily manipulated and modified.

 Control Unit: Manages the flow of data and instructions within the computer. It fetches
instructions from memory, decodes them, and executes them.
 Input/Output (I/O) Devices: These devices allow the computer to interact with the
external world, enabling input of data and output of results.
 Bus: A communication system that enables the transfer of data between the CPU,
memory, and I/O devices. It consists of address buses, data buses, and control buses.

One of the defining characteristics of the Von Neumann architecture is the stored-program
concept, where both data and instructions are stored in memory and treated the same way,
making it possible to manipulate and change program instructions during execution.

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