1.1.1.5 Computer Architecture

Question 1

What is the Von Neumann Architecture?

Answer 1

• A computer architecture where a single control unit manages program control via a linear sequence of fetch-execute-decode cycles
• This architecture includes the basic components of the computer and processor:
  (Single CU, ALU, Registers and Memory Units),
• In which a shared memory and shared data
  bus is used for both data and instructions.
• Von Neumann Architecture is built on the stored
  program concept.

Question 2

What are the advantages of the Von Neumann Architecture?

Answer 2

• Cheaper to develop as the control unit is
  easier to design.
• Programs can be optimized in size.

Question 3

What is the Harvard Architecture?

Answer 3

• A computer architecture that stores data and instructions in separate memories to allow the next instruction to be read while data is currently being read or written.
• Harvard architecture has physically separate memories for instructions and data, more commonly used with embedded processors.
• This is useful for when memories have
  different characteristics:
  i.e. instructions may be read only, while data may be read-write.
• This also allows you to optimize the size of individual memory cells and their buses depending on your needs:
  i.e. the instruction memory can be designed to be larger so a
  larger word size can be used for instructions.

Question 4

What are the advantages of the Harvard Architecture?

Answer 4

• Quicker execution as data and instructions
  can be fetched in parallel.
• Memories can be different sizes, which can
  make more efficient use of space.

Question 5

What is Contemporary Processing?

Answer 5

• Contemporary processors use a combination of Harvard and Von Neumann Architecture.
• Von Neumann is used when working with data and instructions in main memory.
• Harvard Architecture to divide the cache into instruction cache and data cache