Define “computer architecture”.
- Attributes of a system visible to the programmer
- Things that have a direct impact on the logical execution of a program
- Anything that “matters” to the programmer
Define “computer organisation”.
- Hardware details transparent to the programmer
- Thins which do not affect the logical execution of the programmer
- Details which do not matter to the programmer
Give some examples of attributes belonging to the computer architecture.
- Instruction set
- Number of bits
- IO mechanisms
- Memory addressing techniques
Give some examples of attributes belonging to the computer organisation.
- Operational units and their interconnections
- Hardware size/shape/layout
- Any physical constraints
The IBM System 370 Architecture was introduced in which year?
1970
What set the IBM System 370 architecture apart from others at the time?
Could upgrade to a newer model without abandoning original software - portable between models.
What is the role of the CPU?
- Controls the operation of the computer
- Processes data
What is the role of the main memory?
- To store data
What is the role of the I/O Mechanisms?
- To move data between the computer and external environment
- i.e. Input and Output
What is the role of the system interconnections?
- To allow communication between the CPU, main memory, and I/O
List the 4 main components of a CPU
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
- Registers
- CPU Interconnection
Describe the function of the Control Unit
- Controls the operation of the CPU and hence the computer
- Tells the other components of a system how to respond/undertake instructions
Describe the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit
- Perform the computer’s data processing funtions
- Performs bitwise logical operations on binary integers
Describe the function of the CPU Registers
- Storage Internal to the CPU
- Small but VERY fast; used to enable quick calculations and temporary storage
What are the 4 components of the Von Neuman Architecture?
- Main Memory
- Arithmetic Logic Unit
- Program Control Unit
- IO Equipment
What is “Moore’s Law”?
- Number of transistors that could be put on the same sized chip doubled each year/18 months
What are some consequences of Moore’s Law?
- Cost of digital circuitry has fallen dramatically
- Electrical path length is shortened; faster operating speed
- Smaller computers - more convenient
- Fewer interchip connections
- Reduction in power and cooling requirements
