Computer Architecture

A computer system is a collection of interconnected computers that share a networked storage device, as well as a number of peripherals including printers, scanners, and routers. While each system-connected computer can function independently, they can also communicate with other computers and external devices.

Computer architecture and its features

No of their size, computers use the same fundamental concepts to represent and process data. All computers are constructed using Dr. Von Neumann's original architecture design. A computer system's fundamental parts are comparable.

The arrangement, structure, or design of the various computer components is known as computer architecture. It describes the connections between the various computer components. Input devices, output devices, a central processing unit, primary storage, and secondary storage make up a modern computer system. Below is a list of several computer components.

1. Input Unit:

Humans employ input units, which are connected to the CPU, to communicate with computers. It is in charge of giving the CPU data and instructions. It receives input, formats it for a computer, and then supplies it to system memory. Entering information into memory, including data, programs, commands, and user answers, is referred to as input. The most frequent input method is the keyboard. The mouse, joystick, trackball, graphic tablet, light pen, touch screen, scanner, webcam, magnetic ink character recognition (MICR), optical character recognition, optical mark reader (OMR), voice recognition, sensor, point of sale and microphone, touch pad, and so forth are some additional input devices.

2. CPU (Central Processing Unit):

The inputs must be processed by the CPU in order to produce the outputs. It manages every aspect of the computer. The CPU controls the other components as well as carries out machine instructions and symbol, numeric, and letter manipulation. There are three sub-components in the CPU. As follows:

• ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit): It executes arithmetic and logical operations. ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit). It completes every step of its duty in accordance with the control signal from CU. There are numerous accumulators and registers in it. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are the arithmetic operations that are carried out. The three logical operations that are carried out are logical AND, logical OR, and logical NOT.
• CU (Control Unit): All of the computer's parts, including the input and output devices, memory, and other CPU parts, are under the direction of the central unit (CU). All computer operations are guided by this component. It handles data processing tasks and transmits control signals to various computer system components.
• Set of registers: Registers are a type of temporary memory found in CPUs. It is employed to store data instructions while the CPU is processing them. Registers like MAR, MBR, TR, etc. are found in the CPU.

3. Memory Unit:

The memory unit, a component of the CPU, serves as a storage location for all inputted information throughout processing. We are able to locate memory by using the special address. It is in charge of temporarily or permanently storing information and instructions. The two types of memory are:

• Primary Memory: During processing, data and instructions are stored in primary memory. It is the only memory that the CPU can access directly. The memory is a semiconductor. Because of its rapid speed and tiny size, it occupies a higher position in the memory hierarchy. The processor has direct access to it. It is more expensive, speedier, and only used sometimes. Examples include ROM, RAM, and cache memory
• Secondary Memory: It is the extra memory that is utilized to store massive amounts of data for an extended length of time. Additionally, it is employed for computer-to-computer data transfer. It is both an optical and magnetic memory. Due to its slow pace and enormous size, it occupies a lower position in the memory hierarchy. It is typically less expensive, slower, and utilized in bigger quantities. The CPU cannot access it directly. Examples include CDs, DVDs, hard drives, floppy disks, magnetic tape, pen drives, and more.

4. Output Unit:

An output unit is a device that records, prints, and displays data produced by a computer. The result is data that has been transformed into information that is valuable. After processing, the result must be provided by the output unit. Before giving it to the user, it translates the output from the computer's format into a format that the user can understand.

The computer produces two different types of outputs:

• Soft copy output: This refers to the output from devices like speakers, projectors, and monitors. This output cannot be touched or felt by the user. The user continues to see this output as long as the machine is turned on. The output can be changed by the user.
• Hard copy output: Hard copy output is the output from printers and plotters. This output is tactile and haptic for the user. Even when the computer is turned off, the output that has been generated stays with the user. The output cannot be changed by the user.