Directory UMM :Networking Manual:computer_network_books:

(1)

The Concept of Computer Architecture

• _{Evolution and interpretation} • _{levels of abstraction}

• _{hierarchical framework} • _Extensions

• _{Description of computer architectures}

CH02

TECH

(2)

Evolution of the concept of

computer architecture

• _{Computer architecture (programmer’s view)}

_{the structure of a computer that a machine language}

programmer must understand to write a correct (timing independent) program for the machine

• Computer organization (implementer’s view)

_{actual hardware structure and realization}

• _{hierarchical, multilevel description}

_{electronic circuit, logic design, programming,}

processor-memory-switch

(3)

Recent interpretation of the concept

• _{Computer architecture}

_{Underlying computational model}

_{von Neumann, dataflow, …}

_{Level of consideration}

_{micromachine, processor, computer system}

_{Scope of interest}

(4)

The concept of computer architecture

• _{as a Multilevel hierarchical framework}

(5)

Hierarchical description of digital systems

• _{1. operating system} • _{2. Computer system} • _{3. Processor}

• _{4. functional block} • _{5. circuit}

(6)

Description of computer architectures

• _{informal description} • _{Formal description}

_{description by ADLs (VHDL)}

(7)

A brief overview of general purpose ADLs

• _VHDL

_{Very high speed integrated circuits Hardware Definition}

Language

_{formal description used by simulation tools}

(8)

The design space and its representation

Using DS-trees

• _{A “consists of” B and C}

• _{A “can be performed by”}

B or C

• _{A “can be executively}