Computer Organization and Architecture - Lecture 1

Computer Organization and Architecture

• Focuses on how a computer functions systematically
• Aims to derive solutions for any problem using a systematic approach
• Studies different aspects to create a complete picture, covering architecture and organization

Lecture 1 Topics

• Computer Architecture: Defines the functional behavior of a computer system, including design, instruction sets, hardware components, and system organization, from a programmer's perspective
• Architectural Attributes: Specific aspects influencing program execution logic, like instruction sets, data types (e.g., numbers, characters) representation in bits, input/output (I/O) mechanisms, and memory addressing techniques
• Von Neumann Architecture: A computer design with a central processing unit (CPU), including a control unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and a memory unit, as well as input and output devices
• Computer Organization: Details the structural relationships between various units and their interconnections, hardware details that programmers don't need to know, such as control signals, interfaces between the computer and peripherals, and memory structures
• Example Architectural Design Issue: Deciding whether a computer will include a multiply instruction and how that instruction will be implemented (e.g., dedicated multiply unit or repeated use of add unit). This decision is based on factors like frequency of use, relative speed of approaches, and cost/size of special hardware

Syllabus

• Provides a comprehensive outline for the course, including topics like introduction to computer organization and architecture, register transfer, microoperations, computer memory, programming basic computers, microprogrammed control, microprocessors, microcontrollers, pipeline, and vector processing

Prerequisite Course

• Digital Logic Design: The required prior knowledge for this course.

Computer Architecture vs. Computer Organization

• Architecture: Describes what a computer does, focusing on the functional behavior and characteristics visible to programmers. It's the design of the computer function
• Organization: Describes how the computer does it, focusing on the structural aspects, interconnections, and hardware details. It's the implementation detail of the function

Structure and Function

• Structure: Describes the way components are interconnected within a computer system. Complex (modern) computers contain many interconnected electronic components.

• Function: Refers to the operation of each component working together as part of the overall structure. Both structure and function are simple in essence. Functional diagrams illustrate how data is processed, stored, moved, and managed within a computer

• Data Processing: The computer needs to process data. Data can be in various forms.

• Data Storage: A computer needs to store data temporarily, even during processing.

• Data Movement: Data moves internally as well as between a computer and the outside world

• Control: A control unit manages the above three functions by responding to instructions from the user or another part of the system

• Peripheral Devices: External devices that interface with a computer, such as keyboards or printers.

• Communication Lines: Channels for data movement between computers or between a computer and other systems

Internal Structure of a Computer

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The primary component for processing data and executing instructions
• Main Memory: Stores data and instructions that the CPU needs
• Input/Output (I/O): Interfaces with outside devices, moving data in and out of the computer
• System Interconnection: The mechanism enabling communication between the CPU, main memory, and I/O devices

Computer System Level Hierarchy

• Levels 0-6: A seven-level structure depicting different abstraction layers in a computer system. Users interact at the highest level (Level 6) with executable programs. Lower levels (0-5) represent increasingly detailed operational components, like digital logic, control units, assembly, and high-level programming languages.

Computer Evolution and Performance

• Describes the history and development of computer systems, linking to how their performance has improved over time.

Digital Computer

• Main Memory: Stores data and instruction sets
• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations on binary data
• Control Unit: Interprets and executes instructions from memory
• I/O (Input/Output) Equipment: Handles input and output operations

Digital Computer (Gate & Memory components)

• Gate: Basic building block (circuit) implementing Boolean logic functions
• Memory: Storage for a bit of data from the memory cells, capable of two states
• Connections among elements: Enables data flow and operations in the computer that are constructed from digital components.

Gates in Integrated Circuits

• ICs: (Integrated Circuits) combine many gates (logic circuits) and memory cells on one chip
• Packaging: Components are packaged to improve protection, handling, and interconnections
• Interconnections: Combine multiple components for more complex behavior

Logic Gates

• AND, OR, NOT (inverter), buffer: Basic logic gates showing the different operations performed on binary information

Boolean Algebra

• Deals with binary variables (0 or 1) and logic operations.
• Useful to analyze and design digital circuits, allowing for the expression of boolean functions as algebraic equations or truth tables, leading to simplified circuit designs.

Map Simplification: K-maps

• Helpful method for simplifying Boolean functions.
• Provides a systematic procedure for simplifying and condensing Boolean functions using a visual map, often reducing the required components and complexity.
• Min-terms: Each combination of variables and possible outputs in a truth table
• Don't-Care conditions: Allow variations when simplifying functions, leading to more compact designs.

This quiz explores the foundational aspects of computer organization and architecture as discussed in Lecture 1. It covers essential topics such as computer architecture, architectural attributes, and the Von Neumann architecture. Test your understanding of how computers function systematically and the design elements that define them.