Single-Bus Structure in Computers
A single-bus structure is a type of computer architecture where a single, shared communication
pathway (the bus) connects all the major components of the system, including the CPU,
memory, and input/output (I/O) devices.
Key Characteristics:
● Shared Bus: All components use the same bus for data transfer.
● Sequential Access: Only one device can use the bus at a time, leading to potential
bottlenecks.
● Simplicity: Relatively simple and cost-effective to design and implement.
Diagram:
Components:
● CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer, responsible for executing
instructions.
● Memory: Stores data and programs.
● I/O Devices: Input and output devices, such as keyboards, monitors, and hard drives.
● Bus: The shared communication pathway.
How it Works:
1. Data Transfer: When a component needs to send data to another, it requests access to
the bus.
2. Bus Arbitration: A controller grants access to one component at a time.
3. Data Transmission: The selected component sends the data over the bus to the
destination component.
Advantages:
● Simplicity: Easy to design and implement.
● Cost-Effectiveness: Lower cost compared to multi-bus structures.
● Flexibility: Easy to add new devices to the system.
Disadvantages:
● Bottleneck: The single bus can become a bottleneck, especially with multiple devices
competing for access.
● Limited Bandwidth: The bus can only handle a certain amount of data at a time, limiting
overall performance.
Applications:
● Microcontrollers: Often used in embedded systems due to their simplicity and
cost-effectiveness.
● Early Personal Computers: Common in older personal computers.
In Summary:
A single-bus structure is a basic and cost-effective way to connect components in a computer
system. However, its performance can be limited by the shared nature of the bus.