Computer Architecture is the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure.
Understanding computer architecture is crucial for designing efficient and scalable computer systems, as well as for optimizing performance and resource utilization.
1. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
Defines the machine language instructions that a computer can execute. It includes the set of instructions available to a programmer and the format of those instructions.
2. Processor Organization
Involves the internal structure and operation of the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This includes components like arithmetic logic units (ALUs), registers, control units, and cache memory.
3. Memory Hierarchy
Refers to the organization of memory in a computer system, which typically includes different levels of cache memory, main memory (RAM), and secondary storage (like hard drives or SSDs).
4. Input/Output (I/O) Architecture
Describes how the CPU communicates with peripherals such as keyboards, mice, monitors, and storage devices.
5. System Interconnection
Involves the design of pathways that allow different components of the computer system to communicate with each other, such as buses, switches, and interconnect protocols.
6. Parallelism and Pipelining
Techniques used to improve performance by executing multiple instructions simultaneously or by overlapping the execution of instructions.
