Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 1 | 3. Introduction to Computer Architecture by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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3. Introduction to Computer Architecture

The chapter outlines the evolution and functioning of computers, detailing the fetch-execute cycle and the historical milestones in computing technology. It highlights key figures like Charles Babbage and innovations such as the punched card system, leading up to modern microprocessor developments. The ongoing trajectory of computational advancements is exemplified through Moore's Law and Intel's development timeline.

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Sections

  • 3.1

    Introduction To Computer Architecture

    This section introduces the fundamental concepts of computer architecture, focusing on the fetch-execute cycle and the historical development of computers.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.1.1

    Fetch-Execute Cycle

    The fetch-execute cycle is fundamental in computer processing, involving retrieving instructions and executing them, often requiring additional data from memory.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.1.2

    Indirect Cycle

    This section introduces the indirect cycle in computing, detailing its role in fetching data necessary for executing instructions.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2

    History Of Computing

    This section explores the evolution of computing, highlighting pivotal figures and milestones from the early calculations to modern processors.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.1

    Charles Babbage And The Analytical Engine

    This section discusses Charles Babbage’s contributions to computing and the historical evolution of computers, particularly focusing on the Analytical Engine and the programming concepts introduced by Ada Lovelace.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.2

    Programming Concepts By Ada Lovelace

    The section explores the foundational principles of computer programming and introduces key historical figures in computing, such as Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.3

    Herman Hollerith And Punched Card System

    Herman Hollerith developed the punched card system, which was a revolutionary method for data input and processing, significantly influencing the evolution of computing.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.4

    Atanasoff-Berry Computer (Abc)

    The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) represents a pivotal development in computing history, being one of the first machines able to solve simultaneous linear equations.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.5

    George Boole And Boolean Algebra

    The section covers the significant contributions made by George Boole to mathematical logic and computing through Boolean Algebra.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.6

    Mark I: The First Full-Fledged Computer

    This section discusses the foundational concepts of early computing, highlighting the importance of fetch-execute cycles and significant historical figures and machines in the history of computers.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.7

    Envac: The First Computer With Stored Program

    This section discusses the historical significance and functionality of ENVAC, the first computer to implement the concept of a stored program, detailing the evolution of computing from early mechanical devices to electronic machines.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2.8

    Univac 1: The First Commercial Computer

    This section provides an overview of the UNIVAC 1, the first commercial computer, by highlighting its development, operational principles, and contextual significance in computing history.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3

    Generations Of Computers

    This section covers the evolution of computer generations, from the early mechanical models to advanced microprocessor technologies.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3.1

    First Generation (1940s-1955): Vacuum Tubes

    This section discusses the early development of computers during the 1940s to 1955, focusing on the use of vacuum tubes.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3.2

    Second Generation (1955-1960): Transistors

    This section discusses the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors in computer evolution, highlighting the implications of this change in computing technology.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3.3

    Third Generation (1960s): Integrated Circuits

    This section discusses the development of integrated circuits in the 1960s, their impact on computer architecture, and important historical milestones in computing.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3.4

    Fourth Generation: Microprocessors

    This section discusses the evolution of microprocessors and highlights key milestones in computer history.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3.5

    Fifth Generation: Vlsi Technology

    The section discusses the evolution of computing from early machines to fifth generation computers using Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology, emphasizing the importance of Moore's Law and major advancements in microprocessor architecture.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.4

    Moore's Law

    Moore's Law, proposed by Gordon Moore in 1965, observes that the number of transistors on integrated circuits doubles approximately every two years, leading to exponential growth in computing power.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.4.1

    Observation On Transistor Growth

    This section discusses the evolution of computing from early mechanical systems to modern transistor-based technology, highlighting key milestones in computer history.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.4.2

    Impact On Processing Power

    This section discusses the relationship between the evolution of computers and their processing capabilities, highlighting key historical developments and technological advancements.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.5

    Timeline Of Intel Processors

    This section outlines the historical evolution of Intel processors, from the groundbreaking 4004 in 1971 through to the modern Core i7 processors, highlighting significant advancements and features in this timeline.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.5.1

    Introduction Of Intel 4004

    This section introduces the Intel 4004 microprocessor, its significance in the history of computing, and the evolution of processing technology leading up to its development.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.5.2

    Evolution Of Intel Processors

    This section discusses the historical development of Intel processors from the first microprocessor in 1971 to the present, emphasizing key technological advancements and trends.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.5.3

    Shift To Pentium Series

    This section describes the evolution of computing from early devices to the Pentium series, outlining key developments and technological milestones.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.5.4

    Introduction Of Multi-Core Processors

    This section introduces multi-core processors and discusses the evolution of computing technology, highlighting significant historical milestones.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.5.5

    Current Intel I Series Processors

    This section discusses the evolution and architecture of Intel's i series processors, highlighting key milestones in microprocessor development, from early models to the current lineup.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.6

    Test Items And Learning Objectives

    This section discusses the fetch-execute cycle of computers, highlights key historical developments in computing technology, and sets learning objectives for understanding program execution.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.6.1

    Model Of Computers Vs. Human Beings

    This section compares the functioning of computers to human beings, explaining how both process instructions and data.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.6.2

    Execution Of Programs In Computers

    This section discusses the fundamental processes involved in executing programs on computers, including the fetch-execute cycle and historical developments in computing.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.6.3

    Components Of A Computer

    This section discusses the main components of computers, their historical development, and the progress of processing technology from early mechanical devices to modern microprocessors.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.6.4

    Motorola 68000 Series Exploration

    This section explores the Motorola 68000 series of processors, highlighting their architecture, historical significance, and relationship to other computing advancements.

    Learning Practice

References

ch1 part c.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • The fetch-execute cycle is ...
  • Charles Babbage is recogniz...
  • Programming languages, such...

Final Test

Revision Tests