Computer Architecture ANS✔✔ specifies the hardware interface so that we
can write software for it
Instructions supported by the hardware
Number of storage locations provided by the hardware
Microarchitecture ANS✔✔ Specific design of a microprocessor, which
includes physical components (registers, logic gates, ALU, cache, etc.) that
support a specific instruction set.
Many different ways to build computers with the same hardware interface to
software
Many microarchitectures that conform to same architecture
The 5 classic components of a computer ANS✔✔ Processor/CPU
-Control: what instructions to execute
-Datapath: Processes the instructions
Memory
-Cache (faster memory)
-Main memory (slower memory)
Input
Output
Kinds of computers ANS✔✔ Traditional personal computers
, Solution 2024/2025
Pepper
Alternative personal computers (iPad, iPhone, Xbox, etc.)
Hidden computers in the cloud
-Mainframes and servers for business, science, government
Hidden computers embedded in devices
-Controllers for cars, airplanes, ATMs, toasters, etc.
-LARGEST market for computers
Forces on Computer Architecture ANS✔✔ Technology
Applications
History
-1645 Pascal's calculating machine
-1947 birth of modern computer system John Von Neumannn
Exponential increases in transistor counts 1970-2010 (Moore's law)
What do computer architects do? ANS✔✔ Design new microarchitectures
Design computers that meet evolving needs and challenges
-Tailored to new applications
-Amenable to new technologies
-More reliable, more secure, use less power, etc.
Computer architecture is engineering, not science
Why C? ANS✔✔ C has explicit memory allocation/deallocation
C has pointers
Java hides these issues
, Solution 2024/2025
Pepper
HLL → Assembly Language ANS✔✔ Every computer architecture has an
assembly language
Humans can write low-level code in assembly but most code is written in
HLLs and compiled
Assembly Language ----> Machine Language ANS✔✔ Assembler is a
program that automatically converts to machine language (0's and 1's) that
the computer actually executes
Machine Language ---> Inputs to Digital System ANS✔✔ Transistors
(switches) turning on and off
The Java Programming Language ANS✔✔ Has a lot of features that make it
easier to program without making mistakes (training wheels)
Compile java program to byte codes
Byte codes execute within JVM
JVM is program that executes on hardware
JVM handles memory for you
The C Language ANS✔✔ Closer to hardware
-Easier to make mistakes
-Often results in faster code
No virtual machine
-Compile source file directly to machine
-No dynamic type checking, array bounds, garbage collection, etc.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Schoolflix. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $15.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.