Comp Arch and Org - Lec 1

Introduction to
Computer Architecture
and Organization
11/27/2023 Chapter 1 Introduction - Kassahun T.

Basic Computer Organization
Computer Architecture
• Computer Architecture refers to those attributes of a system that have a direct impact
on the logical execution of a program.
• things the system can do/visible for the programmer
• Computer architecture deals with 'What to do?'
• It provides the functional details and behavior of a computer system and comes
before computer organization.
• It is a blueprint for design and implementation of a computer system.
• Examples:
• the instruction set
• the number of bits used to represent various data types
• I/O mechanisms
• memory addressing techniques
Main Components of a Computer
• Virtually all contemporary computer designs are based on the concepts

developed by John von Neumann
• At a top level, a computer consists of CPU (central processing unit), memory,
and I/O components, with one or more modules of each type.
 Key Concepts:
▪ Data and instructions are stored in a single read–
write memory
▪ The contents of this memory are addressable by
location, without regard to the type of data contained
there
▪ Execution occurs in a sequential fashion(unless
explicitly modified) from one instruction to the next.
11/27/2023 Chapter 1 Introduction - Kassahun T. 5

Main Components of a Computer
• The central processing unit (CPU) contains an arithmetic and logic unit for
manipulating data, a number of registers for storing data, and control circuits for
fetching and executing instructions.
• The memory of a computer contains storage for instructions and data it is called a
Random-Access Memory (RAM).
• The Input and Output Processor (IOP) contains electronic circuits for communicating
and controlling the transfer of information between the computer and the outside
world.

System Components
• CPU/Microprocessor
• Memory Subsystem
• I/O Subsystem
System Buses
• Address Bus
• Data Bus
• Control Bus
Instruction Cycle
• Fetch
• Decode
• Execute
Jhon von Neumann Architecture
• Instructions and data mixed
• Used in modern computers
• all memory is capable of storing all program elements, data and
instructions;
Harvard Architecture
• Instructions and data separate
• Used in low-level cache memory design
• The memory is divided into two memories, one for data and
one for instructions.
Computer Organization
• Computer Organization refers to the operational units and their interconnections that
realize the architectural specifications.
• It implements the provided computer architecture
• Computer organization deals with 'How to do?'
• Examples – attributes include those hardware details transparent to the programmer
• control signals
• interfaces between computer and peripherals
• the memory technology being used
• e.g. Is it architectural design issue or Organizational issue?
• will the computer have a multiply instruction?
• will that instruction be implemented by a special multiply unit or by a mechanism that
makes repeated use of the add unit of the system
Architecture & Organization contd..
• Many computer manufacturers offer a family of computer
models, all with the same architecture but with differences
in organization.
• different models in the family have different price and

performance characteristics.
• Furthermore, a particular architecture may span many

years and encompass several different computer models,
its organization changing with changing technology.
Architecture vs Organization
Computer Architecture Computer Organization
Computer architecture explains what a computer should do. Computer organization explains how a computer works.
Computer architecture provides functional behavior Computer organization provides structural relationships between parts of
computer system.
of computer system.
Computer architecture deals with high level design. [Conceptual design Computer organization deals with low level design. [More detailed and
of computer system] implementation oriented design phase.]
Computer architecture is designed first.

Computer organization is started after finalizing
computer architecture.
Structure & Function
• A computer is a complex system; contemporary computers contain millions
of elementary electronic components.
• It’s easier to describe it from the top down.
• We begin with the major components of a computer, describing their
structure and function, and proceed to successively lower layers of the
hierarchy[the hardware component and their interaction ]
• Structure is the way in which components relate to each other.
• Function is the operation of individual components as part of the
structure.
Function
• All computer functions are:
• Data processing : able to process data which may take a wide variety
of forms and the range of processing.
• Data storage : store data either temporarily or permanently
• Data movement : move data between itself and the outside world
• Control: there’s a control of the above three functions.
Functional View
Operations (a) Data
movement
Operations (b) Storage
Operation (c) Processing from/to storage
Operation (d) Processing from storage to I/O
The Computer
Structure - Top Level
Peripherals Computer
Central Main
Processing Memory
Unit
Computer
Systems
Interconnection
Input
Output
Communication
lines
Structure - The CPU
CPU
Computer Arithmetic
Registers and
I/O Login Unit
System CPU
Bus
Internal CPU
Memory Interconnection
Control
Unit
Structure - The Control Unit
Control Unit
CPU
Sequencing
ALU Logic
Control
Internal
Unit
Bus
Control Unit
Registers Registers and
Decoders
Control
Memory
Summary
Computer organization
➢ –Addresses issues such as control signals (how the computer is controlled), signaling methods and memory
types.
➢ Encompasses all physical aspects of computer systems.
E.g., circuit design, control signals, memory types.
→ Deals with How does a computer work?
Computer architecture
➢ Focus on the structure and behavior of the computer system and
➢ Refer to Logical aspects of system implementation as seen by the programmer.
E.g., instruction sets, instruction formats, data types, addressing modes.
→ Deals with How do I design a computer?

11/27/2023 26
Chapter 1 Introduction - Kassahun T.

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Introduction to

11/27/2023 Chapter 1 Introduction - Kassahun T.

• Virtually all contemporary computer designs are based on the concepts

11/27/2023 Chapter 1 Introduction - Kassahun T. 5

11/27/2023 Chapter 1 Introduction - Kassahun T. 6

• different models in the family have different price and

• Furthermore, a particular architecture may span many

Computer architecture is designed first.

➢ Encompasses all physical aspects of computer systems.

E.g., circuit design, control signals, memory types.

→ Deals with How does a computer work?

➢ Focus on the structure and behavior of the computer system and

➢ Refer to Logical aspects of system implementation as seen by the programmer.

E.g., instruction sets, instruction formats, data types, addressing modes.

→ Deals with How do I design a computer?

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