Computer Architecture
Examples and Hierarchy
By Cheuk Wong
Hierarchy
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Layers of components made out of smaller
parts
A higher layer will abstract the immediate
lower layer
We can design complex systems using
higher abstraction layer without worrying
about the individual components of the lower
layers
Can be used in both hardware as well as
software
Example of Software hierarchy
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From Highest to Lowest
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Applications: MS Powerpoints, Firefox, etc
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High level program languages: Java, C/C++, etc
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Interpreted Languages: LISP, ProLog
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Assembly Languages: x86
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Machine Code: Binaries
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Flip-flips and Logic Gates
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Transistors
We can work with any of the layers without
knowing how the lower layers work.
Hardware Hierarchy
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From Highest to Lower
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Computer System: Monitor, keyboard, “black
box”
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Integrated Circuit: CPU, Memory system
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Chip Level: ALU, Registers, Cache, RAM
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Flip-flops, Multiplexers, Decoders, Adders
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NOT-gate, AND-gate, NAND-gates, OR-gates,
NOR-gate
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MOSFET Transistors, NPN-Transistors, PNPTransistors
Again, we can work with any layers without
worrying about the lower layers.
Some more Hierarchy
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Again, from highest to lower
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Internet
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LAN, PAN
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Computer Systems
Moving on to Computer Architectures...
Computer Architectures
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Computer Architectures is the conceptual
design and fundamental operational structure
of a computer system -Wikipedia
Deals with the Integrated Circuit and Chip
Level layers of the Hardware Hierarchy
Mainly focuses on how the CPU interact with
other parts of the computer, such as accessing
main memory or interfacing with peripheral
hardwares
Ultimate goal is to increase performance
Subcategories of Comp. Arch.
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Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): Provide a set of
language structure and data type
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Ex. x86
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Will not be discussed since this is cover in CS47
Micro-architecture: Describes how multiplexers,
decoders, adders, transistors, etc interact with
each others. The ISA will be depended on Microarch is designed.
System Design: Describes how all the hardwares
are connected to each other (e.g. buses, memory
controller, etc)
Micro-architecture
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Describes how multiplexers, decoders, etc
are connected to each other.
2-Bit ALU
A Simple Logic Board
System Design
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System Design: Describes how all the
hardwares are connected to each other
Components: Functional Units and
Interconnections
Functional Units: CPU, I/O devices
Interconnections: Buses, Motherboard,
Bridges
Terms
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Motherboard: The main circuit board that
contains the CPU and the buses
Bus: A common pathway that connects a
number of devices
Bridge: A pathway that connects the buses
Northbridge: AKA Memory control hub,
connects the CPU to main memory and
GPU(Video cards). This is on the motherboard.
Southbridge: AKA I/O Control hub, connects
the Northbridge to Power management, PCI
bus I/O devices such as USB, and other
devices
Simple System Design
Non-Bridged System Design
A Graphic-Centric Design
17-inch MacBook Pro
Source
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http://developer.apple.com/documentation/H
ardwareDrivers/Conceptual/17inMacBookPr
o_0706/Articles/17inMacBookProArch.html
http://www.ixbt.com/mainboard/images/nforc
e700i/750i-sli-block.png
http://research.microsoft.com/~rcutler/pub/F
RAME/Developing_RealTime_Apps_files/image003.jpg
http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/cpu/pentiu
m4-1400/chipset-scheme.jpg
http://www.wikipedia.com