Lecture (1)

Created @October 16, 2024 6:46 AM

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1. Course Overview
Course Objectives

Introduce fundamental principles of computer organization and

terminology.

Teach quantitative methods for evaluating computer system performance.

Discuss the power wall problem and multicore multiprocessors.

Explain the instruction set architecture and modern processor architecture.

Build an understanding of memory system design, including caches.

Chapter Goals

Lay the foundation for studying computer architecture.

Discuss basic definitions, concepts, and abstractions.

Introduce the stored-program concept.

Explain the major components of hardware and software.

2. Designing Computers for Performance

Early Computer Constraints

1960s-70s: Memory size limited performance.

Techniques to minimize memory usage were crucial.

Modern Techniques

Advances have reduced memory size limitations.

Emphasis on parallel processing and hierarchical memory.

Impact on Software Development

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 Knowledge of computer organization is essential for developing compilers,
OSs, and applications.

3. Understanding Program Performance

Performance Factors

Algorithms: Influence the number of operations.

Software Systems: Determine instruction count per operation.

Processor and Memory: Affect execution speed.

I/O Systems: Impact data input/output speed.

Interdependence

Program performance is a combination of algorithm efficiency, software

translation, and hardware capability.

4. Below Your Program

Hierarchical Software Organization

High-level applications are translated into low-level instructions.

Several software layers interpret complex functions into simple

commands.

Role of System Software

Operating Systems (OSs): Manage resources, and provide services.

Compilers: Translate high-level language into machine instructions.

5. From a High-Level Language to Hardware Language

Instruction Representation

Instructions and data consist of binary digits (bits).

Software Translation

Compilers translate high-level languages (e.g., C, Java) to assembly.

Assemblers convert symbolic assembly into binary machine code.

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 6. Five Classic Components of a Computer
Components Overview

Memory: Stores instructions and data.

Input/Output: Handles data transfer between memory and external

devices.

Datapath: Performs arithmetic operations. (ALU)

Control: Manages operations according to instructions. (between memory,

ALU and registers)

Processor Composition

Combines Datapath and control.

7. Abstraction in Computer Design

Definition and Importance

Hierarchical structuring to manage system complexity.

Allows designers to focus on high-level functions without low-level details.

Use Cases

Hardware abstraction simplifies software development.

8. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

Definition

The interface between hardware and low-level software.

Standardization and Compatibility

Ensures binary compatibility across hardware variations.

Examples of Modern ISAs

x86, ARM, MIPS, SPARC.

9. Foundational Concepts and Definitions

Architecture

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 Definition: Refers to the aspects of a computer that are visible to the
programmer, such as the instruction set, which defines the available
operations, data types, registers, and memory addressing.

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA):

Acts as an interface between software and hardware, specifying what

instructions a processor can execute.

Examples include x86 (Intel), ARM (mobile devices), and MIPS (embedded
systems).

Programmer-Visible Features:

Includes the instructions, data formats, and how programs interact with
memory.

Compatibility:

Software written for a specific ISA can run on different implementations of

that architecture.

Organization
Definition: Deals with how the architecture is implemented, focusing on the
internal hardware components and how they interact.

Key Elements:

Memory Hierarchy: Levels of memory (cache, RAM, storage) that optimize

speed and cost.

CPU Structure: Internal components like the ALU, control unit, and
registers, and techniques like pipelining for better performance.

Bus System: Connects components (CPU, memory, I/O devices), affecting

data transfer speed.

Design Considerations:

Cost, performance, and power efficiency: Different organizational

choices can optimize these factors.

Example: Two computers with the same ISA but different cache sizes and
clock speeds may perform differently.

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 Hardware Implementation
Refers to the actual physical design of the computer's components, including
how circuits and chips are created.

Key Aspects

Logic Design: Creating digital circuits for tasks like arithmetic operations
and data storage.

Integrated Circuits (ICs): Using microchips with transistors to build

processors and memory.

Cooling and Packaging: Ensuring stable operation and heat management.

Power Management: Techniques to reduce energy consumption.

10. The Stored-Program Concept

Overview

Instructions are stored in memory-like data.

Simplifies system design and operation.

Non-Stored Program Example

Early wired calculators required physical reconfiguration.

11. Von Neumann vs. Harvard Architecture

Von Neumann Architecture

Single memory for data and instructions.

Harvard Architecture

Separate memories for data and instructions, increasing efficiency.

12. The Task of a Computer Designer

Design Optimization

Balances performance with cost.

Areas of Focus

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 Instruction set design, logic design, implementation details.

13. New Trends and Key Technologies

Performance Enhancements

Parallel processing (e.g., multicore, pipelining).

Memory hierarchies (e.g., caching).

Impact of Software on Hardware

Trends in compilers and operating systems influence hardware design.

14. Moore’s Law

Transistor Count Doubling

Predicted to double every 1.5 years.

Impact on Processor and Memory Technology

Increased density leads to better performance and lower power

consumption.

15. Case Study: AMD Barcelona Microprocessor

Example of Modern Processor Design

Highlights performance improvements through architectural innovation.

16. Fallacies and Pitfalls

Common Misconceptions

Overgeneralizing limited principles can lead to design flaws.

Pitfall Examples

Ignoring ongoing hardware progress when planning new systems.

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