Unit 602: Computer Architecture Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Computer Architecture

• Definition and importance of computer architecture
• Core components overview: CPU, memory, input/output devices
• How components interact to process data and execute instructions

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2.1 CPU Role and Function

• Overview of CPU as the 'brain' of the computer
• Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle

2.2 CPU Components

• Control Unit: role in instruction coordination
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): performing arithmetic and logical operations
• Registers: types and functions

2.3 Instruction Execution

• Instruction cycle stages
• How the CPU processes instructions

3. Memory Hierarchy

3.1 Levels of Memory

• Cache memory: levels (L1, L2, L3), characteristics
• Main memory (RAM): volatile storage
• Secondary storage: hard drives, SSDs

3.2 Data Transfer Mechanisms

• Data movement between memory levels
• Concepts of latency and bandwidth

4. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

4.1 ISA Overview

• Definition and role in computer architecture
• Types of instruction sets: RISC vs CISC

4.2 Instruction Types

• Data transfer, arithmetic, control, logical instructions

4.3 Addressing Modes

• Immediate, direct, indirect, indexed addressing

4.4 Instruction Execution

• How instructions are interpreted and executed by the CPU

5. Input/Output Systems

5.1 I/O Devices and Interfaces

• Types of input and output devices
• I/O controllers and ports

5.2 Data Transfer Techniques

• Programmed I/O
• Interrupt-driven I/O
• Direct Memory Access (DMA)

5.3 Interrupts

• Concept of interrupts and interrupt handling
• Interrupt vector and priority

6. Pipelining and Parallelism

6.1 Pipelining Concepts

• Definition and stages of pipeline
• Pipeline hazards: structural, data, control

6.2 Parallelism in Computing

• Instruction-level parallelism
• Data-level parallelism
• Thread-level and task-level parallelism

6.3 Benefits and Challenges

• Performance improvements
• Complexity and design considerations

7. Memory Management

7.1 Memory Allocation Techniques

• Static vs dynamic allocation
• Contiguous and non-contiguous allocation

7.2 Virtual Memory

• Concept and purpose
• Paging and segmentation

7.3 Memory Protection Mechanisms

• Access control and protection rings
• Address space isolation

8. Storage Systems

8.1 Types of Storage Media

• Magnetic disks: HDDs
• Solid-state drives (SSDs)
• Optical storage: CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray

8.2 Characteristics and Performance

• Speed, capacity, durability, cost
• Use cases and trade-offs

9. Performance Evaluation and Optimization

9.1 Performance Metrics

• Throughput, latency, clock speed, MIPS

9.2 Optimization Techniques

• Cache optimization
• Instruction set design considerations
• Parallelism exploitation

9.3 Impact Factors

• Cache size and levels
• CPU clock speed
• Pipeline design

10. Emerging Trends in Computer Architecture

10.1 Multicore Processors

• Architecture and advantages
• Challenges in parallel programming

10.2 Quantum Computing

• Basic principles
• Potential impact on computation

10.3 Neuromorphic Computing

• Inspiration from biological neurons
• Applications and challenges

10.4 Future Directions

• Trends in energy efficiency
• Integration of AI accelerators
• Heterogeneous computing architectures