Lecture 1

Question 1

Define “computer architecture”.

Answer 1

• Attributes of a system visible to the programmer
• Things that have a direct impact on the logical execution of a program
• Anything that “matters” to the programmer

Question 2

Define “computer organisation”.

Answer 2

• Hardware details transparent to the programmer
• Thins which do not affect the logical execution of the programmer
• Details which do not matter to the programmer

Question 3

Give some examples of attributes belonging to the computer architecture.

Answer 3

• Instruction set
• Number of bits
• IO mechanisms
• Memory addressing techniques

Question 4

Give some examples of attributes belonging to the computer organisation.

Answer 4

• Operational units and their interconnections
• Hardware size/shape/layout
• Any physical constraints

Question 5

The IBM System 370 Architecture was introduced in which year?

Answer 5

1970

Question 6

What set the IBM System 370 architecture apart from others at the time?

Answer 6

Could upgrade to a newer model without abandoning original software - portable between models.

Question 7

What is the role of the CPU?

Answer 7

• Controls the operation of the computer
• Processes data

Question 8

What is the role of the main memory?

Answer 8

• To store data

Question 9

What is the role of the I/O Mechanisms?

Answer 9

• To move data between the computer and external environment
• i.e. Input and Output

Question 10

What is the role of the system interconnections?

Answer 10

• To allow communication between the CPU, main memory, and I/O

Question 11

List the 4 main components of a CPU

Answer 11

• Control Unit
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
• Registers
• CPU Interconnection

Question 12

Describe the function of the Control Unit

Answer 12

• Controls the operation of the CPU and hence the computer
• Tells the other components of a system how to respond/undertake instructions

Question 13

Describe the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit

Answer 13

• Perform the computer’s data processing funtions
• Performs bitwise logical operations on binary integers

Question 14

Describe the function of the CPU Registers

Answer 14

• Storage Internal to the CPU
• Small but VERY fast; used to enable quick calculations and temporary storage

Question 15

What are the 4 components of the Von Neuman Architecture?

Answer 15

• Main Memory
• Arithmetic Logic Unit
• Program Control Unit
• IO Equipment

Question 16

What is “Moore’s Law”?

Answer 16

• Number of transistors that could be put on the same sized chip doubled each year/18 months

Question 17

What are some consequences of Moore’s Law?

Answer 17

• Cost of digital circuitry has fallen dramatically
• Electrical path length is shortened; faster operating speed
• Smaller computers - more convenient
• Fewer interchip connections
• Reduction in power and cooling requirements