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1-1 Introduction-to-Computer-Organization-and-Architecture

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2 views

1-1 Introduction-to-Computer-Organization-and-Architecture

Uploaded by

Olumide Owolabi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CSC 308: Computer

Organization and
Architecture II
Computer scientists are often more focused on developing
complex algorithms than designing the underlying hardware.
However, understanding how computers work at the hardware
level is crucial for optimizing programs, writing compilers,
modeling real-world systems, and designing peripheral
equipment. This introduction explores the importance of studying
computer organization and architecture, which provides insights
into the fundamental relationship between hardware and software
in computer systems.
OO
by Prof. Olumide Owolabi
The Importance of
Understanding Computer
Hardware
1 Program Optimization
Knowing how computers work at the hardware level is essential for optimizing program
performance and tuning computer systems.

2 Compiler Design
Designing effective compilers requires an understanding of the target hardware environment
and how to leverage specific hardware features.

3 System Modeling
Accurately modeling complex, real-world systems necessitates knowledge of how floating-
point arithmetic and I/O architectures function in practice.

4 Embedded Systems
Developing embedded systems requires an understanding of resource constraints, time-
space-price trade-offs, and I/O architectures.
Computer Organization vs.
Computer Architecture
Computer Organization Computer Architecture Interrelated Concepts

Computer organization addresses Computer architecture focuses on While the distinction between
the physical aspects of computer the logical and abstract aspects computer organization and
systems, such as control signals, of system implementation, architecture is not always clear-
signaling methods, and memory including instruction sets, data cut, they are interrelated and
types. It helps answer the types, registers, and I/O interdependent. Understanding
question: "How does a computer mechanisms. It helps answer the both is crucial for a
work?" question: "How do I design a comprehensive understanding of
computer?" computers and computation.
The Instruction Set Architecture (IS
1 Definition
The ISA is the agreed-upon interface between the software running on a machine and
the hardware executing it. It allows software to communicate with the underlying
hardware.

2 Hardware Components
The ISA, combined with the physical hardware components, defines the computer
architecture for a given machine. This includes the instruction set, data types,
registers, and I/O mechanisms.

3 Importance
Understanding the ISA is crucial for designing compilers, optimizing programs, and
ensuring compatibility between software and hardware. It is the foundation for
computer architecture and organization.
Benchmarking and Performance Evaluation

Timing Metrics Cost-Effectiveness Manipulation


Benchmarking techniques Benchmarks use various Benchmarking helps Benchmark results can be
measure the execution performance metrics, technical managers make manipulated, so it's
time of programs or such as instructions per informed decisions when important to understand
system components to second (IPS) or purchasing hardware, their limitations and
evaluate performance. transactions per second balancing performance interpret them critically.
(TPS), to quantify system and cost.
capabilities.
Embedded Systems and
Resource Constraints
Time
Embedded systems often have strict real-time requirements,
necessitating a deep understanding of hardware timing and
performance trade-offs.

Space
Resource-constrained embedded systems require careful
management of memory and storage, which depends on the
underlying hardware architecture.

Cost
The cost of embedded hardware is a critical factor, leading to the
need to balance performance, power, and price in the design
process.
Compilers and Hardware Optimization
Leveraging Hardware Features
The best compilers are designed to take advantage of specific hardware features, such as
pipelining, to improve the speed and efficiency of program execution.

Understanding Memory Hierarchies


Compilers must understand the memory hierarchy, including caches and virtual memory, to
optimize data access and minimize performance bottlenecks.

Handling Floating-Point Arithmetic


Accurate modeling of floating-point arithmetic is crucial for compilers, as hardware
implementations can differ from the theoretical behavior.

I/O Architectures
Compilers must be aware of the underlying I/O architectures to efficiently manage data transfer
between the computer and peripheral devices.
Conclusion: The Synergy of
Hardware and Software
Hardware Software

Physical components and circuits that Programs, algorithms, and instructions


make up a computer system that run on the hardware

Determines the fundamental Leverages the hardware's capabilities


capabilities and limitations of a to solve complex problems
computer
Requires an understanding of computer Requires an understanding of how the
organization and architecture hardware works

Provides the foundation for software Drives the evolution and advancement
development and optimization of computer hardware

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