Advanced Computer Architecture by Dr Noor M Sheikh

Advanced Computer Architecture by Dr. Noor M. Sheikh Dean, Electrical Engg. Department University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, And Dr. Anjum Ali Professor, Al-KICS, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore,

CS 501 Advanced Computer Architecture Lecture 01 Dr. Noor Muhammad Sheikh

How Computer Operates? A computer operates under the control of instructions stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input), process data arithmetically and logically, produce output from the processing, and store the results for future use.

Block diagram

Block diagram of a modern general purpose digital computer

Architecture • The art or science of building • A style and method of design and construction

Computer Architecture • The term Computer Architecture was coined at IBM in the 1960 s • It was used to refer to the programmer visible portion of the instruction set of the IBM 360 family of computers

Computer Architecture (continued…) • The structure of a computer that a machine language programmer must understand to write correct programs for the machine

Who is a Computer Architect? Answer: A person who designs computers

What do we mean by “design”? • Design is the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.

What do we mean by “design”? (continued) • It is a decision-making process (usually iterative), in which the basic sciences, and math and engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective.

Levels of Abstraction • System Design • Logic Design • Circuit Design

Digital Design: Levels of Abstraction System Design: § Processor-Memory-Switch (PMS) level- system components and their interconnections are described. The components are specified in a block diagram form. The processor includes the data path and control. § Instruction Set Level - the function of each instruction is defined. The emphasis is on the behavior of the system rather than the hardware structure of the system. § Register Transfer Level - hardware structure is more visible. The basic elements indicated are registers.

Digital Design Level of Abstraction (continued) Logic Design: § Also called gate level abstraction. We use gates and flip-flops. The behavior is less visible, while the hardware structure dominates.

Digital Design: Levels of Abstraction (continued) Circuit Design: § Gives visibility to resistors, transistors, capacitors, and diodes. § Mask Level – this shows the silicon structure of the chip. The layout and its implementation is given in the Integrated System Design.

Course text book "Computer Systems Design and Architecture" by V. P. Heuring and H. F. Jordan, Addison Wesley, 1997.

Reference books • “Computer Architecture: A Qualitative Approach”, 2 nd ed” by Hennesy & Patterson, Morgan Kaufmann, 1996. • “Computer Organization and Architecture”, by William Stallings, Prentice Hall, 6 th edition.