Introduction to Computer Architecture - David Vernon

[Pages:358]An Introduction to Computer Systems

David Vernon

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

A Computer ....

? takes input ? processes it according to stored instructions ? produces results as output

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

Key Concepts

? Input: Data ? Instructions: Software, Programs ? Output: Information (numbers, words,

sounds, images)

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

Types of Computer

Computer

Special Purpose (embedded systems)

Pre-programmed

General Purpose (user-programmable)

Can be adapted to many situations

W atches

Traffic Signals

Personal Computers

W orkstations

Engine Management

Televisions

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Telephones

Navigation Devices

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

Data vs Information

?A

? 2, 4, 23, 30, 31, 36

?A

? your grade in the exam

? 2, 4, 23, 30, 31, 36

? Next week's Lotto numbers

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

Key Concepts

? Codes

? Data and information can be represented as electrical signals (e.g. Morse code)

? A code is a set of symbols (such as dots and dashes in Morse code) that represents another set of symbols,

? such as the letters of the alphabet, ? or integers or real numbers, ? or light in an image, ? for the tone of a violin

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

Key Concepts

? A circuit is an inter-connected set of electronic components that perform a function

? Integrated Circuits (ICs)

? Combinations of thousands of circuits built on tiny pieces of silicon called chips

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

Key Concepts

? Binary signal (two state signal)

? Data with two states ? off & on ? low voltage & high voltage ? 0v & 5v

Copyright ? 2007 David Vernon (vernon.eu)

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