Computer Architecture vs. Organization Quiz

Study Notes

Differences between Computer Architecture and Organization

Computer Architecture focuses on the high-level design and structure of hardware components and their interconnections, influencing system functionality.
Computer Organization is concerned with the physical arrangement and operational aspects of a computer system as perceived by the user, acting as the hardware-software interface.
Architectural elements include instruction sets, addressing modes, and data types, while organizational elements encompass circuit designs and peripherals.
Architecture considerations precede organization when designing a computer system.

Structure and Function of Computers

A hierarchical system consists of interrelated subsystems structured until reaching basic elemental subsystems.
Structure denotes how components interrelate, whereas Function describes the operations of these components.
Core computer functions include:
- Data Processing: Ability to handle various data forms through different processing ranges.
- Data Storage: Temporary or permanent data storage capabilities.
- Data Movement: Transfer of data between the computer and external entities.
- Control: Regulation of the aforementioned functions.

Main Structural Components of a Computer

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The core element controlling operations and processing data.
Main Memory: Responsible for data storage.
Input/Output (I/O): Facilitates data movement between the computer and the outside environment.
System Interconnections: Allows communication among the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.

CPU Structural Components

Control Unit: Oversees and coordinates CPU operation.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes data processing tasks.
Registers: Provide internal storage within the CPU.
CPU Interconnections: Mechanisms for communication among control units, ALUs, and registers.

General System Architecture

Memory Unit: Consists of storage cells and associated circuits for information transfer, storing data in word groups.
Buses: Enable information sharing among registers:
- Address Bus: Carries addresses (not data) between the processor and memory.
- Data Bus: Transports data between the processor, memory, and I/O devices.
- Control Bus: Transfers command signals from the CPU.

General Purpose Systems

Represents a modern version of the Von-Neumann Architecture, integrating CPU, memory, and I/O subsystems interconnected via a system bus.

Parallel Processing

A technique allowing simultaneous execution of data-processing tasks to boost computational speed.
Enhances throughput by distributing data among multiple functional units.
Example functional units include:
- Adders and integer multipliers for arithmetic operations.
- Floating-point operations managed by dedicated circuits.
- Concurrent execution of logic, shift, and increment operations.

Flynn's Classification of Computers

Designed by M.J. Flynn, classifies computer systems based on simultaneous manipulation of instructions and data.
The instruction stream involves the flow of instructions from memory, while the data stream involves operations performed on data.
Categories include:
- Single Instruction Stream, Single Data Stream (SISD): A single computer system executing instructions sequentially; may possess internal parallel processing capabilities.

Description

Test your understanding of the key differences between computer architecture and organization in this comprehensive quiz. Explore concepts like instruction sets, data types, and the hierarchical structure of computer systems. Challenge yourself to grasp how design choices affect system performance.