Computer and Processor Architecture | 2. Organization and Structure of Modern Computer Systems by Pavan | Learn Smarter
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2. Organization and Structure of Modern Computer Systems

Modern computer systems are organized into functional blocks that work together to perform computations efficiently. It covers various architectures, including Von Neumann and Harvard, and discusses the components of the CPU, memory organization, I/O systems, and performance enhancements through parallelism and pipelining. The chapter highlights the advantages and disadvantages of these architectures in contemporary computing.

Sections

  • 2

    Organization And Structure Of Modern Computer Systems

    This section covers the organization and architecture of modern computer systems, including functional units, memory architecture, CPU structure, and data flow.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1

    Introduction To Computer System Organization

    Computer system organization refers to the structuring and interconnection of hardware components to efficiently perform computation.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2

    Functional Units Of A Computer

    This section discusses the main functional units of a computer, outlining their roles and connections in the overall system.

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  • 2.3

    Von Neumann Architecture

    The Von Neumann Architecture is a foundational model for general-purpose computers, characterized by a single memory for both data and instructions, leading to sequential instruction execution.

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  • 2.4

    Harvard Architecture

    Harvard Architecture utilizes separate memory for data and instructions, enabling faster access and execution.

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  • 2.5

    System Buses

    System buses are crucial components in computer architecture, enabling communication between different parts of the computer system.

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  • 2.5.1

    Data Bus

    The Data Bus is a vital communication pathway in computer systems that facilitates the transfer of data between components.

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  • 2.5.2

    Address Bus

    The Address Bus is a crucial communication channel in computing that specifies memory addresses for data operations.

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  • 2.5.3

    Control Bus

    The control bus is a vital communication pathway in computer architecture that carries control signals to manage various operations within a computer system.

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  • 2.6

    Cpu Organization

    CPU organization outlines the structure and internal workings of the CPU, detailing single-core and multi-core designs.

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  • 2.6.1

    Single-Core

    Single-core architecture involves having one processing unit within the CPU, which executes instructions sequentially.

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  • 2.6.2

    Multi-Core

    Multi-core CPUs enhance computational performance by utilizing multiple processing units for parallel processing.

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  • 2.6.3

    Superscalar

    Superscalar architecture allows multiple instructions to be executed simultaneously within a single CPU cycle, enhancing performance significantly.

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  • 2.7

    Control Unit Design

    This section discusses the design of control units in computer systems, focusing on hardwired and microprogrammed control mechanisms.

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  • 2.7.1

    Hardwired Control

    This section provides an overview of hardwired control in computer systems, emphasizing its speed and rigidity compared to microprogrammed control.

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  • 2.7.2

    Microprogrammed Control

    Microprogrammed control uses a sequence of microinstructions stored in memory to control the operations of a computer.

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  • 2.8

    Memory System Organization

    This section discusses the various types of memory systems in modern computer architecture, including primary, secondary, cache, and virtual memory.

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  • 2.9

    I/o Organization

    I/O Organization facilitates data transfer between the CPU and peripheral devices, employing methods such as programmed I/O, Interrupt-driven I/O, and Direct Memory Access (DMA).

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  • 2.9.1

    Programmed I/o

    Programmed I/O is a method where the CPU directly manages I/O transfers through polling, allowing for control but potentially leading to inefficiencies.

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  • 2.9.2

    Interrupt-Driven I/o

    Interrupt-driven I/O allows devices to signal the CPU for immediate attention, improving efficiency over programmed I/O methods.

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  • 2.9.3

    Dma (Direct Memory Access)

    DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows peripherals to transfer data to and from memory without CPU involvement, speeding up data transfer processes.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.10

    Parallelism In Modern Systems

    This section discusses various forms of parallelism employed in modern computer systems to enhance performance.

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  • 2.11

    Performance Enhancements

    This section outlines key performance enhancements in modern computer systems, including pipelining, cache hierarchy, branch prediction, and out-of-order execution.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.11.1

    Pipelining

    Pipelining is a technique that breaks down instruction execution into stages to enhance performance in modern computer systems.

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  • 2.11.2

    Cache Hierarchy

    The cache hierarchy is a structured organization of different levels of cache memory (L1, L2, L3) aimed at optimizing data access speeds and improving overall CPU performance.

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  • 2.11.3

    Branch Prediction

    Branch prediction is a technique used to improve the flow control in the execution of instructions, enabling faster computation by estimating the direction of branches in code.

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  • 2.11.4

    Out-Of-Order Execution

    Out-of-order execution is a performance enhancement technique that allows instructions to be executed as soon as their data is available, rather than in the order they appear in the code.

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  • 2.12

    Comparison: Von Neumann Vs Harvard

    This section compares Von Neumann and Harvard architectures, highlighting their differences in memory structure, speed, complexity, and usage.

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  • 2.13

    Applications

    This section discusses various application areas of computer systems, emphasizing the differences between Von Neumann and Harvard architectures.

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  • 2.14

    Advantages And Disadvantages

    This section discusses the advantages and disadvantages of modern computer system organization, focusing on aspects such as modularity, performance limitations, and complexity.

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  • 2.15

    Summary Of Key Concepts

    This section summarizes key concepts of modern computer systems, including their organizational structure, the relevance of the Von Neumann model, and advancements in CPU and system design.

    Learning Practice

References

ee4-cpa-2.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Computer system organizatio...
  • The Von Neumann and Harvard...
  • Memory systems and I/O orga...

Revision Tests