Anyone who decides to study the device of an electronic computer must necessarily come across the term “computer architecture”. It is impossible to give a complete definition of it, since the concept is too generalizing and everyone considers it from the point of view of the tasks being solved. For example, in one case, in the description, special attention is paid to the software component (command, registers, memory), and in the other, to the hardware component, which includes the component devices and the way they interact. Since the average computer owner is more often interested in components rather than commands, we will consider the issue from this perspective.
Computer architecture is a way of organizing the interaction of the components that make up a computer. To simplify understanding, descriptions of the key characteristics of key components are often provided.
All modern computers are based on the principles of data processing proposed by John von Neumann in 1946. A distinctive feature is the cyclic way of performing a process in which operands and data are placed in the same memory block. By the way, it is this fact that explains why the architecture of von Neumann's computer (Neumann) is used in all modern computers. However, attempts to move away from her have been made for a long time.
But back to the devices that determine what the architecture of a personal computer looks like. Although many sources call the core of a computer a central processing unit (CPU), nevertheless, with respect to classical computer systems, this is highly controversial.
The main element that indirectly allows you to determine which computer architecture is used is the motherboard. It divorced communication lines (buses) between all components that are connected to the motherboard (and with each other) through connectors and ports. There are no universal motherboards, since each of them is designed to work with a very specific class of processors.
The central processor is the computing core of the entire computer. It is represented by a large microcircuit with billions of transistors inside, forming functional blocks. Any program launched for execution, imperceptibly for the user, is converted (interpreted) into machine code and executed on the central processor. The architecture of a computer is largely determined by the type of CPU.
The interface bus, as already noted, is physically represented by communication lines. In accordance with the direction of signal transmission provides interaction:
- central processor and RAM modules;
- between the ports of connected external devices and RAM. There is a mechanism that allows components to work with system memory using a special controller, bypassing the central processor;
- between the ports of the motherboard and the central processor.
RAM is a necessary part of any computing device, even the simplest calculator. In computers, memory transistors are implemented in microcircuits soldered to a PCB strip with a series of copper sliding contacts. Each strip is inserted into the corresponding connector on the motherboard. The CPU class defines the supported generation of RAM modules. For example, if the Intel Core2Duo processor is designed to work with DDR2 memory, then the subsequent Core assumes the use of only DDR3.
In addition to operational, there is a fundamentally different type of memory. It is represented, first of all, by devices on magnetic disks (hard drives).
In addition to internal components, there are a huge number of external devices. Only thanks to them manages to ensure the interaction of man and machine. For example, a monitor, mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, as well as a scanner, printer, etc. - all these are external devices, without which the computer would remain a simple metal box, a thing in itself.
This work gives only a general idea of computer architecture. More detailed information on the components can be found on the Internet.