Computer Architecture Overview

Computer Architecture

• Definition: The design and organization of a computer's components and systems that together execute instructions and process data.

• Key Components:

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU):
    • Executes instructions from programs.
    • Composed of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), control unit, and registers.
  • Memory:
    • Primary (RAM): Temporarily stores data and instructions in use.
    • Secondary: Long-term storage (e.g., hard drives, SSDs).
  • Input/Output (I/O) Devices:
    • Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanners.
    • Output: Monitors, printers, speakers.

• Architectural Models:

  • Von Neumann Architecture:
    • Single memory space for data and instructions.
    • Sequential processing model.
  • Harvard Architecture:
    • Separate memory for data and instructions.
    • Allows simultaneous access to both, improving speed.

• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA):

  • Defines the set of instructions a processor can execute.
  • Types:
    • RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): Simple instructions, fast execution.
    • CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer): More complex instructions, potentially slower.

• Performance Metrics:

  • Clock Speed: Measured in GHz; indicates the number of cycles per second.
  • Throughput: Amount of work completed in a given time period.
  • Latency: Delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction.

• Pipeline Architecture:

  • Technique where multiple instruction phases are overlapped for efficiency (fetch, decode, execute).

• Cache Memory:

  • Small, high-speed storage located close to the CPU.
  • Stores frequently accessed data to reduce access time.

• Multicore Processors:

  • Multiple processing units (cores) on a single chip.
  • Allows parallel processing, improving performance for multitasking.

• Bus Architecture:

  • Communication pathways that connect different components.
  • Types:
    • Data Bus: Transfers data.
    • Address Bus: Carries memory addresses from the CPU to other components.
    • Control Bus: Transmits control signals from the CPU.

• Embedded Systems:

  • Specialized computing systems within larger systems (e.g., automotive, appliances).
  • Focuses on real-time processing and often has specific performance requirements.

• Computer Architecture Trends:

  • Emergence of quantum computing.
  • Increased focus on energy efficiency.
  • Integration of artificial intelligence capabilities directly into hardware.

Computer Architecture

• Definition: The design and organization of a computer's components that, together, execute instructions and process data.
• Key Components:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes instructions from programs.
    • Composed of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), control unit, and registers.
  • Memory:
    • Primary (RAM): Temporarily stores data and instructions that are currently being used.
    • Secondary: Long-term storage (e.g., hard drives, SSDs).
  • Input/Output (I/O) Devices:
    • Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanners.
    • Output: Monitors, printers, speakers.

Architectural Models

• Von Neumann Architecture:
  • Uses a single memory space for both data and instructions.
  • Follows a sequential processing model.
• Harvard Architecture:
  • Features separate memory for data and instructions.
  • Allows simultaneous access to both data and instructions, leading to higher execution speeds.

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

• Defines the set of instructions that a processor can execute.
• Types:
  • RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): Uses simple instructions, leading to fast execution.
  • CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer): Uses more complex instructions, potentially resulting in slower speeds.

Performance Metrics

• Clock Speed:
  • Measured in GHz.
  • Indicates how many cycles the CPU performs per second.
• Throughput:
  • Measures the amount of work completed in a specific time period.
• Latency:
  • The delay before data transfer begins following an instruction.

Pipeline Architecture

• A technique that overlaps multiple instruction phases (fetch, decode, execute) to increase efficiency.

Cache Memory

• A small, fast storage component located close to the CPU.
• Stores frequently accessed data to reduce access time.

Multicore Processors

• Integrate multiple processing units (cores) on a single chip.
• Enables parallel processing and improves performance for multitasking.

Bus Architecture

• Communication pathways that connect different components.
• Types:
  • Data Bus: Transfers data.
  • Address Bus: Carries memory addresses from the CPU to other components.
  • Control Bus: Transmits control signals from the CPU.

Embedded Systems

• Specialized computing systems within larger systems (e.g., automotive, appliances).
• Focuses on real-time processing and often has specific performance requirements.

Computer Architecture Trends

• Emergence of quantum computing.
• Increased focus on energy efficiency.
• Integration of artificial intelligence capabilities directly into hardware.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computer architecture, including key components like the CPU, memory types, and I/O devices. Additionally, it explores different architectural models such as Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture, as well as Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). Test your understanding of how these elements work together to process data and execute instructions.