Introducing Computer Architecture PDF

# Introducing Computer Architecture This chapter starts by covering the evolution of automated computing devices, from mechanical systems to modern electronic computing technologies. It discusses the historical context of computers and the limitations faced by them until the 1980s, like the availab...

# Introducing Computer Architecture This chapter starts by covering the evolution of automated computing devices, from mechanical systems to modern electronic computing technologies. It discusses the historical context of computers and the limitations faced by them until the 1980s, like the availability of only a few computer models for students. The chapter then delves into: ## The Evolution of Automated Computing Devices This section provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of computing devices, discussing key technologies like the Analytical Engine, and ENIAC. ### Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine This section describes Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, a conceptual design for a general-purpose, programmable computer. It highlights the use of innovative mechanical technologies like punched cards for operations. ### ENIAC This part focuses on ENIAC, the first programmable, general-purpose electronic computer, and its importance in the advancement of computing. ### IBM PC This discusses the IBM PC, released in 1981, and the key role of the Intel 8088 microprocessor. The chapter deep dives into the 8088 architecture, including its registers, addressing modes, and limitations. ### The 80286 and 80386 microprocessors This section details the 80286 and 80386 processors, their advancements, and how they influenced the development of computer architecture. ### The iPhone The chapter covers the groundbreaking iPhone, released in 2007, and its revolutionary features like a multi-touch touchscreen and the ability to combine functions of iPod, telephone, and a computer. ## Moore's Law This section dives deep into Moore's Law, a trend observed in the semiconductor industry predicting the doubling of the number of components on a single chip every two years. It explains the significance of this law and its impact on the technological advancement. ## Computer Architecture This section defines key concepts and terms related to computer architecture, such as voltage levels, binary numbers, and hexadecimal numbers. ### Binary and Hexadecimal Numbers This section explains the use of binary and hexadecimal numbers in computing and their respective base values. ### The 6502 microprocessor This section covers the 6502 microprocessor, explaining its architecture, registers, and addressing modes. ### The 6502 Instruction Set It details the 6502 instructions set and provides examples of how they can be used for arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction. It also explains the importance of the carry flag and its use in two's complement arithmetic. ### Summary The chapter concludes by summarizing the key takeaways from the chapter, emphasizing the significance of Moore's Law and the evolution of computing devices. It highlights the importance of understanding the building blocks of computer architecture and how these blocks are used to create complex systems. # Digital Logic This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts and components of digital logic, starting from a brief review of electrical circuits and progressing to the building blocks of digital logic. ## Electrical Circuits This section provides a basic overview of the properties of electrical circuits and how they can be represented using simple diagrams. ## The Transistors This section introduces transistors, explaining their function as digital switches and their role in the evolution of modern digital circuits. ## Logic Gates This section covers different types of logic gates: NOT, AND, OR, and XOR. It explains how these gates function and how they are represented using schematic symbols. ## Latches This section defines latches as memory devices, discussing the SR latch and the gated D latch. ## Flip-flops Flip-flops are presented as edge-sensitive devices. The chapter details the implementation of a positive edge triggered D flip-flop. It also explains how flip-flops can be connected in series to create shift registers and into a ring. ## Registers This section covers the use of registers for temporary data storage in processors. It discusses how registers can be designed using flip-flops. ## Adders This section focuses on adder circuits. It explains how a simple full adder is constructed using logic gates and how multiple full adders can be combined to create multi-bit adders. It also discusses the concept of propagation delay. ## Clocking This section covers the importance of clock signals in synchronous circuits. It explains how clock signals are typically generated using crystal oscillators. ## Sequential Logic This section introduces the concept of sequential logic, which is essential for the functioning of processors. ## Hardware Description Languages This section examines the use of hardware description languages (HDLs), such as VHDL and Verilog, for designing and implementing complex digital circuits. It also covers the concept of gate arrays and FPGAs. ## Exercises The chapter concludes with a series of exercises designed to reinforce the concepts learned in the chapter. These exercises cover topics such as implementing logic gates, designing adders, and writing VHDL code.