Architecture

Question 1

Harvard architecture keeps

Answer 1

Instructions and data in separate memories which are accessed by separate data and address buses

Question 2

Von Neumann Architecture

Answer 2

This architecture includes the basic components of the computer and processor (single control unit, ALU, registers and memory units) in which a shared memory and shared data bus is used for both data and instructions.

Question 3

Von Neumann architecture is built on the…

Answer 3

stored
program concept

Question 4

Why is it an advantage of having physically different separate memories in an architecture?

Answer 4

This is useful for when memories have different characteristics, i.e.

instructions may be read only, while data may be read-write.

the instruction memory can be designed to be larger, so a larger word size can be used for instructions.

Question 5

How do contemporary processors work?

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, but uses Harvard architecture to divide the cache into instruction cache and data cache.

Question 6

Advantages of Von Neumann architecture.

Answer 6

Cheaper to develop as the control unit is easier to design

Programs can be optimised in size

Question 7

Advantages of Harvard architecture.

Answer 7

Quicker execution as data and instructions can be fetched in parallel.

Memories can be different sizes, which can make more efficient use of space