Computer System Architecture

(NCP 423)

Introduction

Engr. Joan P. Lazaro

Architecture & Organization
 Computer Architecture refers to those
attributes of a system visible to a
programmer or those attributes that have a
direct impact on the logical execution of a
program
 Architectural attributes:
◦ Instruction set
◦ Number of bits used for data representation
◦ I/O mechanisms
◦ Techniques for addressing memory

e.g. Is there a multiply instruction?

Architecture & Organization
 Computer Organization is how features are
implemented. It refers to the operational
units and their interconnections that realize
the architectural specifications.
 Organizational attributes:
◦ Control signals
◦ Interfaces between the computer and peripherals
◦ Memory technology used

e.g. Is there a hardware multiply unit or is it done

by repeated addition?
Structure & Function
 Structure is the way in which components
relate to each other

 Function is the operation of individual

components as part of the structure
Function
 Basic computer functions are:
◦ Data processing
◦ Data storage
◦ Data movement
◦ Control
Functional View
Operations (a) Data movement
Operations (b) Storage
Operation (c) Processing from/to
storage
Operation (d)
Processing from storage to I/O
 Structure - Top Level

Peripherals Computer

Central Main
Processing Memory
Unit

Computer
Systems
Interconnection

Input
Output
Communication
lines
4 MAIN STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – controls
the operation of the computer and
performs its data processing functions.
2. Main Memory – stores data
3. I/O – move data between the computer
and its external environment.
4. System Interconnection – some mechanism
that provides for communication among
CPU, main memory, and I/O.
 Structure - The CPU

CPU

Computer Arithmetic
Registers and
I/O Login Unit
System CPU
Bus
Internal CPU
Memory Interconnection

Control
Unit
4 MAIN STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS OF CPU
1. Control Unit – controls the operation
of the CPU and hence the computer.
2. ALU – performs the computer’s data
processing function.
3. Registers – provides storage internal to
the CPU.
4. CPU Interconnection – some
mechanism that provides
communication among the control unit,
ALU, and registers.
 Structure - The Control Unit

Control Unit

CPU
Sequencing
ALU Login
Control
Internal
Unit
Bus
Control Unit
Registers Registers and
Decoders

Control
Memory
3 MAIN STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
OF CONTROL UNIT
 SEQUENCING LOGIC – is used to
construct finite state machines, as well as
memory circuits and other devices.
 CONTROL UNIT REGISTERS AND
DECODERS – these are the instruction
register and program counter and are
used together with the instruction
decoder in the execution cycle.
 CONTROL MEMORY – can be a read-
only memory.
Computer Components:
Top Level View
COMPUTER COMPONENTS
 PC – holds the address of the instruction
to be fetched next.
 MAR – specifies the address in memory
for the next read or write.
 MBR – contains the data to be written
into memory or receives the data read
from memory.
 IR – a register in the processor where the
fetched instruction is loaded.
COMPUTER COMPONENTS
 I/O AR – specifies a particular I/O device.
 I/O BR – used for the exchange of data
between an I/O module and the CPU.
Instruction Cycle
 Two steps:
◦ Fetch
◦ Execute
Fetch Cycle
 Program Counter (PC) holds address of
next instruction to fetch
 Processor fetches instruction from memory
location pointed to by PC
 Increment PC
◦ Unless told otherwise
 Instruction loaded into Instruction Register
(IR)
 Processor interprets instruction and
performs required actions
Execute Cycle
 Processor-memory
◦ data transfer between CPU and main memory
 Processor-I/O
◦ Data transfer between CPU and I/O module
 Data processing
◦ Some arithmetic or logical operation on data
 Control
◦ Alteration of sequence of operations
◦ e.g. jump
 Combination of above
Example of Program Execution
THANK YOU……

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