03 Top Level View of Computer Function and Interconnection
The document provides an overview of computer architecture, focusing on the function and interconnection of various components such as the Control Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit, and memory. It explains the instruction cycle, including fetch and execute phases, as well as the handling of interrupts and the role of buses in connecting different modules. Additionally, it discusses bus types, arbitration methods, and the importance of control signals in data transfer between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0 ratings0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 views36 pages
03 Top Level View of Computer Function and Interconnection
The document provides an overview of computer architecture, focusing on the function and interconnection of various components such as the Control Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit, and memory. It explains the instruction cycle, including fetch and execute phases, as well as the handling of interrupts and the role of buses in connecting different modules. Additionally, it discusses bus types, arbitration methods, and the importance of control signals in data transfer between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 36
ECEG-4123 Computer Architecture
and Organization
Top Level View of Computer Function
and Interconnection Program Concept • Hardwired systems are inflexible • General purpose hardware can do different tasks, given correct control signals • Instead of re-wiring, supply a new set of control signals What is a program? • A sequence of steps • For each step, an arithmetic or logical operation is done • For each operation, a different set of control signals is needed Function of Control Unit • For each operation a unique code is provided —e.g. ADD, MOVE • A hardware segment accepts the code and issues the control signals Components • The Control Unit and the Arithmetic and Logic Unit constitute the Central Processing Unit • Data and instructions need to get into the system and results out —Input/output • Temporary storage of code and results is needed —Main memory Computer Components: Top Level View Instruction Cycle • Two steps: —Fetch —Execute Fetch Cycle • Program Counter (PC) holds address of next instruction to fetch • Processor fetches instruction from memory location pointed to by PC • Increment PC —Unless told otherwise • Instruction loaded into Instruction Register (IR) • Processor interprets instruction and performs required actions Execute Cycle • Processor-memory —data transfer between CPU and main memory • Processor I/O —Data transfer between CPU and I/O module • Data processing —Some arithmetic or logical operation on data • Control —Alteration of sequence of operations —e.g. jump • Combination of above Example of Program Execution Instruction Cycle State Diagram Interrupts • Mechanism by which other modules (e.g. I/O) may interrupt normal sequence of processing • Program —e.g. overflow, division by zero • Timer —Generated by internal processor timer —Used in pre-emptive multi-tasking • I/O —from I/O controller • Hardware failure —e.g. memory parity error Interrupt Cycle • Added to instruction cycle • Processor checks for interrupt —Indicated by an interrupt signal • If no interrupt, fetch next instruction • If interrupt pending: —Suspend execution of current program —Save context —Set PC to start address of interrupt handler routine —Process interrupt —Restore context and continue interrupted program Transfer of Control via Interrupts Instruction Cycle with Interrupts Instruction Cycle (with Interrupts) - State Diagram Connecting • All the units must be connected • Different type of connection for different type of unit —Memory —Input/Output —CPU Memory Connection • Receives and sends data • Receives addresses (of locations) • Receives control signals —Read —Write Input/Output Connection(1) • Similar to memory from Proccesser’s viewpoint • Output —Receive data from computer —Send data to peripheral • Input —Receive data from peripheral —Send data to computer Input/Output Connection(2) • Receive control signals from computer • Send control signals to peripherals —e.g. spin disk • Receive addresses from computer —e.g. port number to identify peripheral • Send interrupt signals CPU Connection • Reads instruction and data • Writes out data (after processing) • Sends control signals to other units • Receives (& acts on) interrupts Computer Modules Buses • There are a number of possible interconnection systems • e.g. Unibus (DEC-PDP) • e.g. Control/Address/Data bus What is a Bus? • A shared communication pathway connecting two or more devices • Usually broadcast • Often grouped —A number of channels in one bus —e.g. 32 bit data bus is 32 separate single bit channels • Power lines may not be shown Data Bus • Carries data —Remember that there is no difference between “data” and “instruction” at this level • Width is a key determinant of performance —8, 16, 32, 64 bit Address bus • Identify the source or destination of data • e.g. CPU needs to read an instruction (data) from a given location in memory • Bus width determines maximum memory capacity of system —e.g. 8080 has 16 bit address bus giving 64k address space Control Bus • Control and timing information —Memory read/write signal —I/O read/write signal —Bus request/grant —Interrupt request —Clock signals Bus Interconnection Scheme Physical Realization of Bus Architecture Single Bus Problems • Lots of devices on one bus leads to: —Propagation delays – Long data paths mean that co-ordination of bus use can adversely affect performance – If aggregate data transfer approaches bus capacity • Most systems use multiple buses to overcome these problems Traditional (ISA) (with cache) High Performance Bus Bus Types • Dedicated —Separate data & address lines • Multiplexed —Shared lines —Address valid or data valid control line —Advantage - fewer lines —Disadvantages – More complex control – Reduction performance Bus Arbitration • More than one module controlling the bus • e.g. CPU and DMA controller • Only one module may control bus at one time • Arbitration may be centralised or distributed Centralised or Distributed Arbitration • Centralised —Single hardware device controlling bus access – Bus Controller – Arbiter —May be part of CPU or separate • Distributed —Each module may claim the bus —Control logic on all modules PCI Bus • Peripheral Component Interconnection • Reading Assignment