1. An Introduction to Computer Architecture
Computer architecture involves the design and organization of a computer system's components, focusing on how these elements interact to process instructions efficiently. Through historical milestones, foundational components, design principles, performance metrics, and current trends, the chapter outlines the essential concepts that inform the development of modern computing systems. As technology evolves, architects are urged to consider various factors like energy efficiency and scalability to meet contemporary computing demands.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Computer architecture is crucial for understanding how computers operate and optimize performance.
- The historical development of devices informs the design of modern computing systems.
- Key components of a computer system include the CPU, memory, and I/O devices, which work together effectively.
Key Concepts
- -- Computer Architecture
- The design structure of a computer system, encompassing the CPU, memory hierarchy, I/O systems, and their interconnections.
- -- Von Neumann Architecture
- A model that describes a computing system where the CPU, memory, and I/O devices are interconnected through a system bus.
- -- Parallelism
- A trend in computer architecture where multiple processors or cores perform tasks simultaneously to increase performance.
- -- Energy Efficiency
- Design considerations aimed at reducing power consumption, especially critical in mobile and embedded devices.
- -- Scalability
- The ability of a system to grow and handle increased tasks, users, or data without complete redesign.
Additional Learning Materials
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