Computer Organization and Architecture Unit 1

Unit 1: Computer Organization and Architecture (1.1 & 1.2)

• The unit covers computer organization and architecture, structure, and function.
• It includes the evolution of computers, Von Neumann architecture, instruction interpretation, interconnection structures, instruction cycles, instruction pipelines, and RAM model evolution of Intel processor architecture (4-bit to 64-bit).

Computer Organization and Architecture

• Computer architecture describes the attributes of a computer system visible to a programmer. These attributes directly influence the logical execution of a program.
• Computer organization describes the operational units and interconnections of a computer system to realize the architectural specifications. This is the hardware implementation.

Architectural Attributes

• Instruction set is a fundamental architectural attribute.
• Data types (like numbers and characters) are defined by the number of bits used to represent them.
• Input/Output (I/O) mechanisms/techniques are used for memory addressing.

Organizational Attributes

• Hardware details transparent to programmers, such as control signals, interfaces (between computer and peripherals), and memory technology. These are not visible to the programmer.

Computer Architecture

• Describes the functional parts of a computer.
• Defines what the computer does.
• Comes before the computer's organization during design.

Computer Organization

• Determines how the architectural aspects (functions/operations) are realized in hardware.
• Details how the organization works.
• Defines the structural relationship between components.
• Comes after the organization decisions are made.

Structure and Function

• A computer is a complex system with millions of elementary electronic components.
• Hierarchical structure (a set of interconnected subsystems) is essential for describing and designing complex systems.
• Components at each level have interrelationships of structure and function.
• Structure explains how components are interconnected; and
• Function describes the operation of individual components within the structure.
• A top-down approach to describing the computer, starting with major components and detailing their structure and function is the most effective.

Functional View of a Computer

• Basic computer functions include data processing, storage, movement, and control.
• Data forms may be wide ranging.
• Processing requires temporary data storage (short-term memory).
• Data storage in files allows later access.
• Moving data between a computer and peripherals or remote devices is Input/Output (I/O).
• Remote data movement is called data communication.

Structural View of a Computer

• The simplest possible depiction of a computer's structure is given, showing computer interaction with its surroundings and the communication lines and peripherals.
• In a practical depiction, there is a central processing unit (CPU), input/output (I/O) connections, and main memory.
• The CPU controls operations, and performs data processing.
• Often, computers today have multiple processors.
• Data moves between the computer and its external environment (e.g., peripherals).
• The system interconnection mechanism connects the CPU, main memory, and I/O.

This quiz explores Unit 1 of Computer Organization and Architecture, covering the evolution of computers, Von Neumann architecture, and various aspects of instruction handling. Understand the fundamental attributes of computer architecture and organization, including instruction sets, interconnection structures, and the evolution of RAM and processor architecture.