COSC 3332 Computer Organization and Architecture

Course Objectives

  • Differentiate between computer organization and architecture.

  • Understand common measurement units in computer systems.

  • Appreciate the evolution of computers.

  • Understand the layered structure of computers.

  • Explain the von Neumann architecture and functions of key components.

Computer Systems

Main Components

  • Processor: Executes programs.

  • Memory: Stores data and programs.

  • I/O Mechanism: Transfers data to/from the external environment.

Computer Organization vs. Architecture

  • Organization: Physical aspects (circuit design, control signals, memory types).

  • Architecture: Logical aspects as perceived by the programmer (instruction sets, formats, data types).

Computer Measurement Units

Frequency and Storage

  • Hertz (Hz): Clock cycles per second.

  • Byte: 1KB = 2^{10} Bytes; 1MB = 2^{20} Bytes.

  • Measurements for memory: RAM in MB, Disk storage in GB/TB.

Metric Prefixes

  • Common prefixes include: Kilo (10^3), Mega (10^6), Giga (10^9), Tera (10^{12}).

Computer Memory

  • Types:

    • Volatile (loses data on power off) vs Non-Volatile (retains data).

    • Secondary storage (HDDs/SSDs) impacts data/program storage capability.

  • Cache memory: Faster than RAM, divided into L1 and L2.

Input/Output Devices

  • Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.

  • Output: Monitor, printer, speakers.

Historical Development of Computers

Generations

  1. Mechanical Calculating Machines (1642 - 1945)

  2. Vacuum Tube Computers (1945 - 1953): E.g., ENIAC

  3. Transistorized Computers (1954 - 1965): E.g., IBM 7094

  4. Integrated Circuit Computers (1965 - 1980) and VLSI Computers (1980-present).

Von Neumann Architecture

  • Concept of storing programs and data in the same memory.

  • Components:

    • CPU

    • Main Memory

    • I/O system

  • Von Neumann bottleneck: Single data path between CPU and memory.

Non-Von Neumann Models

  • Alternatives include parallel processing, genetic computers, quantum computers, dataflow systems.

Conclusion

  • Overview sets the foundation for deeper exploration in subsequent courses on computer organization and architecture.