What is the basic computer architecture?
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Computer architecture has got the recognition of one of the most popular and researched computer areas!
When we talk about computer organization and architecture, it involves the structure or functions of your computer system.
With time, we may have witnessed some explosive or path-breaking changes in the computer technology, its basics and fundamentals have stayed constant.
Moreover, with the growing needs and the popularity of versatile and high-efficiency computers have made it possible for the people to go inside the better detailing of this concept.
Different sorts of computer architectures have been developed over the years that every computer learner should know.
Hence, to help you in this regard, we have prepared this blog post where you will come to know details about computer architecture.
Let’s get started!
Computer Architecture - An Overview
Computer architecture generally comprises methods, rules and procedures that describe the functionality and the implementation of your computer system.
This architecture is built according to the needs of all users and by taking into consideration all the financial and economical constraints. Though, the earlier architecture was designed on a paper built in the form of a hardware.
After the built-in transistors logic on which the architecture was basically built, it was tested in the form of a hardware. So, you can define a computer architecture on the basis of its performance, efficiency or reliability.
Though, it usually deals with the hardware and software technology standards. It has a processor, I/O devices, memories or communication channels for the connections.
Categories of Computer Architecture
It is essential for you to know about the three main types of computer architecture which is discussed as below:
System design
The system design in a computer architecture is touted to include all types of computer parts like data processors, memory controller, multiprocessors or direct memory access.
This part also involves your graphic processing unit which is regarded as the part of your computer’s physical memory.
Instruction set architecture
This type of architecture includes various types of functions or capabilities of any CPU. It has an embedded programming language that is useful to define the programming and its operations to perform several tasks and processes. This is a part of your software that helps in the running of your computer system like windows in a PC or the iOS while including the data formats.
Microarchitecture
This is a definite part of computer organisation and architecture which defines your data processing or storage element and how they will be used to get the implementation in the case of ISA. This is touted as a hardware implementation which is done with the particular processors.
Types of Computer Architecture
When you talk about computer organisation and architecture, you should know about its several types which is discussed as below:
Von -Neumann Architecture
This is the architecture that was initially proposed by the famous John Neumann. Most computers that we are using today are generally based on this type of architecture.
It is based on the concept of memory or the read or write memory that is usually available for reading and writing instructions and your data. Though, when we are talking about memory, it is defined as a single location where your data is represented or stored in the form of single read or write memory. These instructions are basically stored in your computer system.
Your memory will have multiple locations while each location would have its own unique address. We can easily address each memory location regardless of its data and the instructions that are being sent to the present memory as only it helps in reading or writing your data.
Moreover, the execution also occurs when the change in the memory is required in a substantial way.
Harvard Architecture
When data or code is present in your memory blocks, this architecture is being used. There will be a separate memory block for storing the data and all instructions. It can be accessed by one memory to the other memory in different locations.
Your whole data is stored in the CPU. the pipeline is also possible though, its design could be somehow complex. CPUs do the work of reading or writing all types of instructions. This architecture will give access to varied codes and address spaces to get the instructions in a required format.
Instruction Set Architecture
This architecture is required as it has a certain set of instructions that only the processor will understand. It involves reduced instruction sets and complex instruction sets.
The reduced instruction sets in a computer were introduced in the 90s with multiple modes. Though, a program may not use all these modes. Hence, this was the reason codes were basically reduced in your system. Then there was complex architecture with the root set of compilers which were there to ease your programming set of instructions.
Microarchitecture
This is the instruction set architecture that has all built-in processors which are being implemented with the help of varied technology changes. It reads all your instructions and decodes them.
Then it gets parallel data for the processing of all your instructions or to generate the desired output. Same architecture would overlap all the needed instructions; there are several decisions that may overlap with the size, connectivity and latency of the system.
8051 microcontroller architecture
When we are talking about computer architecture, we can’t forget 8051 microcontroller architecture. Intel 8051 is basically known as a chip which was developed by the infamous Intel to use in embedded systems.
The 8051 microcontroller architecture is an 8 bit microcontroller which was built with 40 data inline package pins that helps a user to store better data. It manages the functions of all embedded devices by helping them work smoothly and efficiently.
Wrapping up
When we are talking about computer fundamentals, we should have a strong base on computer architecture.
You can take cues from this blog post to know in-depth about the computer architecture and its types or categories.
Happy learning!