CSI 300 Computer Architecture and Organization - Chapter 1: Basic Concepts and Computer Evolution (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms from Chapter 1: Basic Concepts and Computer Evolution.

Hierarchical system

A structure of interrelated subsystems arranged in levels; allows the designer to focus on one level at a time.

Structure

The way in which components relate to each other.

Function

The operation of individual components as part of the overall system.

CPU

Central Processing Unit — controls the computer and performs data processing.

Main Memory

Stores data and programs for quick access by the CPU.

I/O

Input/Output — data movement between the computer and an attached device.

System Interconnection

Mechanism that provides communication among CPU, main memory, and I/O.

Control Unit

Part of the CPU that controls operations and coordinates resources.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Performs the computer’s data processing (arithmetic and logical) operations.

Registers

Small, fast storage inside the CPU for temporary data/instructions.

CPU Interconnection

Communication mechanism among the control unit, ALU, and registers.

Core

An individual processing unit on a processor chip; may be equivalent to a CPU on a single-CPU system.

Processor

A physical piece of silicon containing one or more cores; interprets and executes instructions; multicore if it has multiple cores.

Multicore

A processor design with two or more cores to increase parallel processing.

First Generation

Era of vacuum-tube computers; earliest general-purpose machines.

Vacuum Tube

Electronic device used for digital logic and memory before transistors.

IAS computer

Early computer designed around the stored-program concept; associated with von Neumann architecture and EDVAC.

von Neumann

Mathematician credited with the stored-program concept (programs stored in memory).

EDVAC

Early computer whose design helped establish the stored-program concept (1945–1952).

Second Generation

Computers built with transistors; smaller, cheaper, cooler; introduction of high-level languages and system software.

Transistor

Solid-state device (silicon) that replaced vacuum tubes; invented at Bell Labs (1947); enabled smaller, cheaper computers.

High-Level Programming Languages

Languages that abstract hardware details, enabling easier programming (introduced in the second generation).

System Software

Software that provides basic functions for the system to operate (e.g., loaders, libraries).

Integrated Circuit (IC)

A chip that places many components on a single piece of silicon; enabled third-generation computers.

Third Generation

Computers designed around integrated circuits; higher component density and simpler manufacturing.

Moore’s Law

Observation that transistor density on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, increasing performance.

LSI (Large Scale Integration)

Many transistors integrated on a single chip.

VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)

Even more transistors integrated on a single chip.

ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration)

Extremely high transistor counts on a single chip.

Semiconductor Memory

Memory built from semiconductor devices (RAM/ROM), replacing magnetic memory in earlier eras.

Microprocessor

Single integrated circuit containing the CPU components (ALU, control unit, registers) enabling a complete CPU on one chip.

4004

Intel’s first microprocessor (1971) containing CPU on a single chip; birth of the microprocessor.

8008

Intel’s 8-bit microprocessor (1972) with expanded addressing.

8080

Intel’s first general-purpose microprocessor (1974) with a richer instruction set.

Intel x86

Family of Intel processors; evolution from CISC designs; dominant in PCs.

ARM

RISC-based architecture widely used in embedded systems; efficient and power-friendly.

CISC

Complex Instruction Set Computing — architecture with many instructions, often more powerful per instruction.

RISC

Reduced Instruction Set Computing — architecture with a small, highly optimized set of instructions.

Embedded systems

Computing systems integrated into other devices (often using ARM or similar architectures).