Computer organisation and architecture Flashcards
1
Q
What are the internal components of a computer?
A
- Processor
- Main memory (RAM)
- Address bus
- Data bus
- Control bus
- I/O controllers
2
Q
What are the benefits of the Von Neumann architecture?
A
- Memory organisation is in the hands of programmers
- It simplifies design and development of the control unit
- Data from memory and devices are accessed in the same way
3
Q
What are the benefits of the Harvard architecture?
A
- It has 2 memories which allows parallel access to data and instructions
- Development of the control unit is expensive
- Data and instructions are accessed the same way
- Both memories can use different cell sizes
4
Q
Where is the Von Neumann architecture used?
A
General purpose computing systems
5
Q
Where is the Harvard architecture used?
A
Embedded systems such as digital signal processing systems
6
Q
What are the drawbacks of the Von Neumann architecture?
A
- Parallel execution of programs is not possible
- Only one bus is a bottleneck
- Instruction stored in the same memory as the data can be accidentally rewritten by error
7
Q
What are the drawbacks of the Harvard architecture?
A
- Free data memory can not be used for instruction
- Production of a computer with two buses is costly
8
Q
Define the stored program concept
A
machine code instructions stored in
main memory are fetched and executed serially
by a processor that performs arithmetic and
logical operations.
