Lecture Notes: Computer Organization and Architecture

Introduction

• Focus on detailed learning of computer architecture.

Definition of Computer Architecture

• Computer Architecture: Design of computers including:
  • Instructions
  • Hardware components
  • System organization
• Divided into two main parts:
  1. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): Specification determining machine language program interaction.
  2. Hardware System Architecture (HSA): Deals with major hardware subsystems (CPU, storage, I/O, etc.)
  • Involves logical design and data flow organization.

Illustrative Example

• Adding Two Numbers (2 and 3): Ways to simplify and perform based on hardware.
  • Example shows selection of one method as ISA.
  • Hardware choice based on ISA (e.g., two memory locations, add circuit).

Architecture vs Implementation

• Architecture: Design specification, not defining implementation.
• Implementation: Realization in hardware (technology choice, speed, cost).
• Influence each other.
• Computers with the same ISA belong to the same family.

History of Computer Architecture

• Analytical Engine: First proposed mechanical general-purpose computer by Charles Babbage.
  • Lady Ada Lovelace: Concept of programming language.

Key Figures in Computation

• Alan Turing: Father of computer science and artificial intelligence.
  • Defined computability and non-computability.
• John von Neumann:
  • Hungarian genius, child prodigy, Princeton professor at age 30.
  • Von Neumann Architecture: Block diagram of computers.
  • Invited Turing for research at Institute of Advanced Studies.

Conclusion

• Quote from Professor David Brailsford:
  • Comparison of historical figures' roles in computing.

Next Steps

• Prepare for next session on classifications of computer architecture.

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• Session ends with a note of gratitude and anticipation for the next lecture.