Overview

• Course Focus: IT support, A+ certification, Networking, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity.

• Importance of consistent scoring and understanding of concepts.

Bus Architecture

Definition

• Bus Architecture: Refers to the design and structure of a system's communication pathways, enabling data transfer between components.

  • Analogy: Comparable to city roads where data is vehicles traveling.

Key Components Connected by Bus Architecture

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer.

• Memory (RAM): Temporary storage for data in use.

• Peripheral Devices: External devices such as printers and mice.

• Storage Devices: Hard drives and other data storage units.

Benefits of Bus Architecture

• Rapid Data Transfer: Efficient communication essential for heavy processing tasks.

• Scalability: Allows the addition of more buses or expansion cards.

Types of Buses

Parallel Bus

• Sends data bits simultaneously, resulting in faster data transfer rates.

  • Typical usage for high-speed communications.

  • Utilizes space on the motherboard but may be complex.

• Data Transmission: 8 bits at once (1 byte).

Serial Bus

• Sends data bits one after another on a single line, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

• Typically used for connecting external peripherals (e.g., USB).

• Examples: USB (Universal Serial Bus), SATA (Serial ATA).

System Bus

• The primary communication line connecting CPU, memory, and peripherals.

• Handles data transfer, address signals, and control signals ensuring seamless interaction.

  • Control Signals: Govern flow of data to avoid collisions and bottlenecks.

  • Address Signals: Direct where data is stored/retrieved.

  • Data Signals: Actual data transfer.

Key Terms

• Data Collision: Occurs when multiple data transmissions happen simultaneously without control.

• Bottleneck: Restriction of data flow causing inefficiencies.

• Clock Speed: Frequency of data transfer measured in Hertz.

PCI Technology

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

• Standard for connecting devices using bus architecture, featuring serial connectors.

  • Provides high-speed data transfer capabilities (up to 533 megabits/sec for 64-bit systems).

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

• Designed specifically for graphics cards, providing a direct link to memory for better performance.

  • First introduced along with advances in 3D technology.

PCIe (PCI Express)

• An improved version of PCI with multiple lanes (up to 32) for faster data transfers.

  • Each version supports increasing bandwidth relevant to device requirements for high-performance applications.

Summary

• Bus architecture is crucial for system efficiency, facilitating communication within and across computer components.

• Understanding types of buses and their functionalities helps in optimizing system performance and addressing limitations.

• PCI, AGP, and PCIe standards highlight evolution in component connectivity supporting ever-increasing data throughput needs.