Systems Architecture

?
View mindmap
  • Systems Architecture
    • CPU - Central Processing Unit
      • "Brain of the computer"
        • Actually performs programs and makes the computer work
      • Components
        • ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit
          • Actually performs instructions, either arithmetic or logical
        • Control Unit
          • Controls the flow of data around the CPU. It's circuits coordinate the activities of the CPU
        • Registers
          • Very small volatile memory with very fast access time, used to store data/programs currently being used by the CPU.
      • Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle.
        • The way in which the CPU functions it means:
          • Fetch
            • The CPU fetches an instruction from main memory (RAM, ROM or cache)
          • Decode
            • The CPU translates the instruction into a decomposed format, so the CPU actually knows hat to do
          • Execute
            • The CPU, specifically the ALU, actually performs the given instruction, and the cycle restarts
    • Von Neumann Architecture/ Stored program computer
      • The concept made by Von Neumann which outlined computers which could change their program, without having to be rewired
        • Basically looks like this:
          • Input
            • CPU: Control Unit/ Arithmetic Logic Unit
              • Memory Unit
              • Output
        • Data and instructions are stored together as binary in the main memory, which can cause a Von Neumann bottleneck if the buses are slow.
      • Harvard Architecture
        • Not popularized concept of stored program computer, in which programs and data are stored separately
        • Too expensive to be practical
    • Computers also have a quartz clock which is there to regulate and synchronize computer components, such as the CPU. This clock gives us clock speed

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Computing resources:

See all Computing resources »See all Computer systems resources »