COSC 3332 Study Notes

Course Overview

  • Course: COSC 3332 Computer Organization and Architecture
  • Instructor: Dr. Qi Zhu
  • Objectives:
    • Learn components of modern computer systems
    • Explain contribution of each component to program execution
    • Understand simple architectures like MARIE

MARIE Overview

  • MARIE: Machine Architecture that is Really Intuitive & Easy
  • Environments: MarieSim and MarieDP for program writing and execution observation

Basic Computer Components

  • von Neumann Model:
    • Components: CPU, main memory, and I/O system
    • Instruction cycle: fetch, decode, execute, store

CPU Basics

  • CPU Function: Fetches, decodes, and executes instructions
  • Major Components:
    • Datapath (ALU and registers)
    • Control unit

Registers

  • Role: Store binary data (addresses, values, counters)
  • Types: 16, 32, or 64-bit registers
  • Uses: Operations like storage, comparison, and indexing

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

  • Function: Executes arithmetic and logical operations
  • Characteristics: Two inputs, one output, affects status register

Control Unit

  • Monitors instruction execution and data transfer
  • Key Roles: Instruction extraction, decoding, and sending signals

Buses

  • Definition: Set of wires for data transmission
  • Types:
    • Point-to-point vs. multipoint buses
    • Synchronous vs. asynchronous buses

Clocks

  • Synchronize component activities
  • Measure clock frequency (in MHz or GHz)
  • Important for timing and operation efficiency

Input/Output Subsystem

  • Maintains communication with external devices
  • Types of I/O: Memory-mapped and instruction-based

Memory and Addressing

  • Structure: Linear array of addressable storage cells
  • Organization: Byte-addressable vs. word-addressable

Interrupts

  • Mechanism to handle high-priority events
  • Types: Respond to I/O requests, errors, invalid instructions

MARIE Specifics

  • Characteristics: 4K words memory, 16-bit data, seven registers
  • Instruction set architecture: 13 instructions including LOAD, STORE, ADD, and HALT

Conclusion

  • Programs executed via fetch-decode-execute cycles
  • Key components: control unit, registers, memory, ALU
  • MARIE serves as a fundamental model for understanding computer architecture.