EENG3150 Digital Technologies - Computer Architecture

Computer Architecture

Computer Architecture vs. Computer Organization

  • Computer Architecture:

    • Deals with attributes of a system visible to the programmer.

    • Has a direct impact on the logical execution of a program.

    • Architectural attributes include the instruction set, number of bits used for data types, I/O mechanisms, and memory addressing techniques.

  • Computer Organization:

    • Concerns the operational units and their interconnections that realize the architectural specifications.

    • Involves hardware details transparent to the programmer, control signals, interfaces between the computer and peripherals, and memory technology used.

Basic Computer System Components

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit): Controls the operation of the computer and performs data processing functions.

  • Main Memory: Stores data.

  • I/O (Input/Output): Moves data between the computer and its external environment.

  • System Interconnection: Mechanism for communication among the CPU, main memory, and I/O.

Computer System - Examples

  • Examples components include:

    • Power supply

    • System fan

    • Motherboard

    • Floppy drive

    • Optical drive

    • Hard drive

    • Heat sink

Motherboard Components

  • CPU Socket: For installing the CPU.

  • Clock Generator: Provides timing signals for the system.

  • Memory Slots: For installing RAM.

  • Expansion Slots: For adding expansion cards (e.g., graphics card).

Additional Components Mentioned

  • Graphics Card: Handles video output.

  • RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory used for storing data and instructions that the CPU is actively using.

Ports and Connectors

  • PS/2 Ports: For mouse and keyboard.

  • Display Port: For video output.

  • HDMI Port: For video and audio output.

  • VGA Port: For video output.

  • DVI Port: For video output.

  • USB Port: For connecting various peripherals.

  • Ethernet Port: For network connection.

  • Audio In/Out: For audio input and output (microphone, speakers).

Data Transfer

  • Data Bus: Carries data between components.

  • Address Bus: Specifies the memory location or I/O device being accessed.

  • Control Bus: Carries control signals (e.g., read, write) to coordinate activities.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Details

  • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs data processing functions.

  • Control Unit: Controls the operation of the CPU and the computer.

  • Registers: Provide internal storage within the CPU.

  • CPU Interconnection: Mechanism for communication among the control unit, ALU, and registers.

Multicore Computer Structure

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit):

    • Fetches and executes instructions.

    • Consists of an ALU, a control unit, and registers.

    • Referred to as a processor in a single-CPU system.

  • Core:

    • An individual processing unit on a processor chip.

    • May be equivalent in functionality to a CPU on a single-CPU system.

    • Specialized processing units are also referred to as cores.

  • Processor:

    • A physical piece of silicon containing one or more cores.

    • Interprets and executes instructions.

    • Referred to as a multicore processor if it contains multiple cores.

Cache Memory

  • Multiple layers of memory between the processor and main memory.

  • Smaller and faster than main memory.

  • Used to speed up memory access by storing data from main memory likely to be used in the near future.

  • Multiple levels of cache (L1, L2, L3, etc.) can improve performance, with L1 being closest to the core.

  • Cache Hierarchy: L1 I-cache (instruction cache), L1 D-cache (data cache), L2 instruction cache, L2 data cache, L3 cache (shared by multiple cores).