Definition: Structured Computer Organization is a way of organizing computers as a hierarchy of levels, each performing specific functions.
Virtual Machines: Imaginary, simpler computers used to design real computers.
Languages and Levels: Computer languages are designed at multiple levels to bridge the gap between human needs and machine capabilities.
Milestones in Computer Architecture
Historical Development:
Mechanical Computers (1642-1945): Started with Blaise Pascal's calculating machine.
Vacuum Tubes (1945-1955): First generation with machines like ENIAC.
Transistors (1955-1965): Second generation marked by smaller and more reliable machines.
Integrated Circuits (1965-1980): Third generation with IBM's System/360.
Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) (1980-present): Current generation with personal computers and smartphones.
Computer Systems
Processors:
Organization: Includes control unit, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers.
Instruction Execution: Follows a fetch-decode-execute cycle.
RISC vs. CISC: RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) focuses on a small, high-speed set of instructions, while CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) supports a wider array of instructions.
Memory:
Hierarchy: Registers, cache, main memory, secondary memory (disk storage).
Cache Memory: Used to speed up access by storing frequently accessed data.
I/O Systems: Include devices like keyboards, mice, and printers, each with specific control and data pathways.
The Digital Logic Level
Gates and Boolean Algebra:
Fundamental Circuits: Built from basic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR) and analyzed using Boolean algebra.
Implementation: Complex circuits can be constructed from simple gates using principles of Boolean algebra.
Basic Digital Logic Circuits:
Combinational Circuits: Output determined solely by input state.
Arithmetic Circuits: Includes adders and arithmetic logic units (ALUs).
Memory Organization:
Construction of memory cells, registers, and arrays.
Flip-Flops: Basic memory elements for storing binary data.
Parallel Computer Architectures
On-Chip Parallelism: Use of multiple processing units on a single chip.
Shared-Memory Multiprocessors: Multiple CPUs accessing a common memory space.
Grid Computing: Distributed computing across a network of computers.