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Computer Architecture Note

The document discusses the distinction between computer organization and architecture. Computer architecture refers to attributes visible to a programmer like instruction set, while organization refers to hardware details. It also lists the four main functions and structural components of a computer as well as the characteristics of a computer family.

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kazi habiba
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81 views

Computer Architecture Note

The document discusses the distinction between computer organization and architecture. Computer architecture refers to attributes visible to a programmer like instruction set, while organization refers to hardware details. It also lists the four main functions and structural components of a computer as well as the characteristics of a computer family.

Uploaded by

kazi habiba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMPUTER

ARCHITECTURE
Lesson 1
Introduction
What is the distinction between
computer organization and
computer architecture?
In describing computers, a distinction is often made between computer
architecture and computer organization.

Computer architecture refers to those attributes of a system visible to a


programmer or, put another way, those attributes that have a direct impact on
the logical execution of a program. A term that is often used interchangeably
with computer architecture is instruction set architecture (ISA) . The ISA
defines instruction formats, instruction opcodes, registers, instruction and
data memory; the effect of executed instructions on the registers and memory;
and an algorithm for controlling instruction execution.
Computer organization refers to the operational units and their interconnections
that realize the architectural specifications. Examples of architectural attributes
include the instruction set, the number of bits used to represent various data
types (e.g., numbers, characters), I/O mechanisms, and techniques for addressing
memory. Organizational attributes include those hardware details transparent to
the programmer, such as control signals; interfaces between the computer and
peripherals; and the memory technology used.

For example, it is an architectural design issue whether a computer will have


a multiply instruction. It is an organizational issue whether that instruction will
be implemented by a special multiply unit or by a mechanism that makes
repeated use of the add unit of the system. The organizational decision may be
based on the anticipated frequency of use of the multiply instruction, the relative
speed of the two approaches, and the cost and physical size of a special multiply
unit.
What is the distinction
between computer structure
and computer function?

Structure is how devices are interrelated, while function is the individual


characteristics of each one.

Structure: The way in which the components are interrelated.


Function: The operation of each individual component as part of the
structure
What are the four main
functions of a computer?
There are four main functions of the computer:

Data storage – provided by memory cells


Data processing – provided by gates
Data movement – the paths among components are used to move data from
memory to memory and from memory through gates to memory
Control – the paths among components can carry control signals
List and briefly define the
main structural components
of a computer.
There are four main structural components of the computer:

Central processing unit (CPU) – controls the operation of the computer


and performs its data processing functions
 Main Memory – stores data
 I/O – moves data between the computer and its external environment
 System Interconnection – some mechanism that provides for
communication among CPU, main memory, and I/O
List and briefly define the
main structural components
of a processor.
There are four main structural components of the processor:

Control Unit: Controls the operation of the CPU and hence the computer
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs the computer’s data processing
function
Registers: Provide storage internal to the CPU
CPU Interconnection: Some mechanism that provides for communication
among the control unit, ALU, and registers
Explain Moore’s law.

The number of transistors that could be put on a single chip would double
each year.
List and explain the key
characteristics of a computer
family.
The characteristics of a family are as follows:

Similar or identical instruction set: In many cases, the exact same set of
machine instructions is supported on all members of the family. Thus, a
program that executes on one machine will also execute on any other. In some
cases, the lower end of the family has an instruction set that is a subset of that
of the top end of the family. This means that programs can move up but not
down.

Similar or identical operating system: The same basic operating system is


available for all family members. In some cases, additional features are added
to the higher-end members.
• Increasing speed: The rate of instruction execution increases in going from
lower to higher family members.

• Increasing number of I /O ports: The number of I/O ports increases in


going from lower to higher family members.

• Increasing memory size: The size of main memory increases in going from
lower to higher family members.

• Increasing cost: At a given point in time, the cost of a system increases in


going from lower to higher family members.

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