Basic Computer
Architecture
Lecture 1
Biraj Dulal
Lecturer
Data Analyst
Project Manager
Web Developer
MSc. IT Data Science
London Metropolitan University
BSc. (Hons.) IT Computing
London Metropolitan university
Why This Module
This course introduces the fundamental concepts behind the design working and organization of
a computer system.
It provides instruction set architecture, memory hierarchies and interconnection
Credit: 4
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course students will be able to:
Gain the concept on pipelining and parallel computing.
Identify the structure, function and characteristics of computer systems.
Analyse the elements of modern instructions sets and their impact on
processor design
Synopsis
This course gives the fundamental knowledge concern with the way the hardware components are
connected together to form a computer system and how they interact to provide the processing needs of
the user.
It includes the topics like concepts & terminology, memory unit, primary and secondary storage devices,
motherboards.
Assessment Method and Types
Assignment 20%
Mid Exam 20%
Final Exam 50%
Quiz 10%
Total 100%
Data and Information
Data comes from the Latin word datum, meaning “something given”.
Representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner
It should be suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by human
or electronic machine.
Each piece of data is a little fact that doesn’t mean much on its own.
Information
Information comes from the Latin word īnfōrmātiō, meaning “formation or
conception.”
Information can be defined news or knowledge received or given
It is what results when you have processed, interpreted, and organized facts.
Difference between Data and Information
Data is a collection of facts. Information is how you understand those facts in
context.
Data is unorganized, while information is structured or organized.
Data is not typically useful on its own, but information is.
Data generally includes the raw forms of numbers, statements, and characters.
Information doesn’t have to.
Information depends on data.
Data and Information
Computer Architecture Fundamentals and Concepts
Computers are everywhere
In your pocket
In a rocket
In a AC
In your TV
Now we can not imagine our lives without computers
In this course we will understand how computer really works and what are its components
Computer Architecture Fundamentals and Concepts
Architecture are those attributes visible to the programmer
Instruction set, number of bits used for data representation, I/O
mechanisms, addressing techniques.
Organization is how features are implemented
Control signals, interfaces, memory technology.
Functions of computers
Data Movement
Computer must be able to communicate with outside world.
Two types:
Peripherals
(monitors, keyboards)
Data Communication
(smart devices)
Data Control
Something needs to monitor operation and maintain control of data processing,
data storage, and data movement.
Automated control of computer’s resources
Data Processing
The basic function of any computer is to process data
Describes arithmetic and logical operations performed on data
Although end result may be complex
Data Storage
Long Term
Logging
Data Records
Short term
temp variables – e.g., buffer containing the last key pressed
program control data – e.g., loop variables
Stored Program Concept
The stored program concept was first introduced by John von Neumann in 1945
The main advantage that this architecture offers over the others is that now you
can store your programs into Read-Only Memory (ROM) chips
Structure of a Computer
All types of computers follow a same basic logical structure and perform the following five basic
operations for converting raw input data into information useful to their users.
Input Unit
Central Processing Unit
ALU (Arithmetic Logical Unit)
Memory Unit
Control Unit
Output Unit
Computer Architecture Von Neumann Structure
Components
Input Component
Keyboard, mouse, screen
Memory
Stores Command
RAM
Components
Process
Control Unit (CU)
Acts as a traffic cop
Fetch and Stores data
Control and manage the input output
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Mathematical calculation
Output
Screen, monitor
Von Neumann Structure
Classic computer architecture.
Data and program instructions stored in same
memory.
Fetch-execute cycle.
Suffers from Von Neumann ‘bottleneck’.
Harvard Structure
Data and programs stored in separate
memory areas.
Allows for faster operation.
Simultaneous access of both data and
programs
Allows data and instruction bus to be
diff sizes.
History of Computers
First Generation (1940-1958)
Vacuum tubes, Machine language
Computers contained a central processor that was unique to that machine
Different types of supported instructions, few machines could be considered "general purpose”
Input was based on punched cards and paper tape. Output came out on print-outs. Magnetic
drum memory.
2 Kb memory, 10 KIPS
History of Computer Architecture
Second Generation (1958-1964)
Transistors – small, low-power,
low-cost, more reliable than vacuum
tubes,
Magnetic core memory
Reduced the computational time from milliseconds to microseconds
High level languages
1959 - IBM´s 7000 series mainframes were the company´s first transistorized computers, IBM 1401 and Honeywell
400
32 KB Memory, 200 KIPS
History of Computer Architecture
•Third Generation (1964-1974)
–Introduction of integrated circuits
combining thousands of transistors
on a single chip
–Semiconductor memory
–Magnetic disk as secondary memory
–2 Mb memory, 5 MIPS
–Use of cache memory
–IBM’s System 360 - the first family of computers making a clear distinction between architecture and
implementation
History of computer architecture
Fourth Generation (1974-1980)
Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI)/Ultra Large
Scale Integration (ULSI) - combines millions of transistors
Single-chip processor and the single-board computer emerged
Smallest in size because of the high component density
Creation of the Personal Computer (PC)
Wide spread use of data communications
Object-Oriented programming: Objects & operations on objects
Apple I, Apple II, IBM PC, Intel386 CPU, Intel x86 family
8 Mb memory, 30 MIPS
History of computer architecture
Fifth Generation Computer(1980-Present)
VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of
microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components.
This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
Development of true artificial intelligence, Natural language processing
Advancement in Parallel Processing
Advancement in Superconductor technology
More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
Any Questions?
