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).