CS316 Architecture and Organization - Module 2: Multiple Representations/Layers of Interpretation

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers concepts from computer architecture including levels of abstraction, the five primary computer components, and the structure and types of the memory hierarchy.

Virtual memory

A system where the entire physical memory is managed by the operating system.

Levels of Abstraction

The many levels of detail that a computer spans, including the operating system, assembler, and hardware interfaces.

Operating System

Provides a convenient interface between the user and application software, and the hardware (sometimes called the bare machine).

Assembler

Translates assembly language, a primitive type of programming language, into machine code which is a stream of ones and zeroes.

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

Interfaces the software to the hardware and provides support for programming.

Processor, Memory, and I/O System

Components that support the execution of machine code instructions expressed in terms of the ISA.

Datapath and Control

Provide a convenient abstraction for connecting the processor, memory, and I/O system and controlling their function efficiently.

Input

One of the five components of a computer that provides data and program information.

Datapath

One of the five components of a computer that mediates I/O.

Control

One of the five components of a computer that implements control of calculation and communication or I/O processes.

Memory (Component)

One of the five components of a computer used for the storage and retrieval of programs or data.

Output

One of the five components of a computer that provides the result of running a program on the processor using input.

Memory Hierarchy

A system organization with several levels of memory with different performance rates to address the cost of memory devices.

The five hierarchies in memory

Registers, cache, main memory, magnetic discs, and magnetic tapes.

Volatile memories

Memory types that lose their stored data automatically when there is no power, specifically registers, cache, and main memory.

Non-volatile memories

Memory types that store data permanently even without power, specifically magnetic discs and magnetic tapes.

Auxiliary Memory

Known as the lowest-cost, highest-capacity, and slowest-access storage used for long-term storage or when not in immediate use.

Magnetic disk

A digital computer memory that uses a magnetization process to write, rewrite, and access data, such as hard drives, zip disks, and floppy disks.

Magnetic tape

A storage medium that allows for data archiving, collection, and backup for different kinds of data.

Main Memory

Often referred to as Random Access Memory (RAM), it communicates directly with the CPU and with auxiliary memory devices through an I/O processor.

Cache Memory

A component that stores frequently used data from the main memory so the processor can access it in a shorter time.

Caching

The use of a faster medium to prevent a slower medium from slowing down the performance of a computer.