Von Neumann Architecture5

Von Neumann Architecture : 

Von Neumann Architecture Background Von Neumann CPU Ram I/O Buses Modern Computer Architecture Northbridge Chip/ Southbridge Chip References By James Murphy( 20044578) and Sean Moynihan(20044693)

Background : 

Background Since 1945 all digital computers use the same type of architecture. This architecture was first described by a computer scientist named John von Neumann. The von Neumann architecture involves a Central processing unit, Random Access Memory, and Input Output circuitry. These component are connected by an Address Bus, a Data Bus and a Control Bus. The design was such an effective one that it has remained largely unchanged and is still used in modern computers.

Von Neumann : 

Von Neumann Born in Hungary in 1903. Recognized as a mathematical prodigy, at the age of 15. PHD in Mathematics at age 22. Invited to Princeton in 1930. Became involved in the Manhattan project and the ENIAC Project. Writes a paper called “First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC”  which includes ideas from Eckert and Mauchly but was circulated with only Von Neumann's name attached. Paper leads to the term Von Neumann Architecture.

CPU : 

CPU Abbreviation for Central Processing Unit sometimes called the Control Unit. Its function is to execute or process the information stored in memory. The CPU is connected to memory and I/O through strips of wire called buses. Contains Microprocessor Chip (The Brain of the Computer). Chip receives and executes instructions from software programs activated by user

RAM : 

RAM Random Access Memory RAM: this component is created from combining latches with a decoder. The latches create circuitry that can remember while the decoder creates a way for individual memory locations to be selected. Types of Ram Chips: DRAM, SRAM, NVRAM

I/O : 

I/O Input/output Input devices provide signals to the CPU. Keyboard, Sensors, Switches, etc. Output devices take signals from the CPU and perform required actions. Printers, Monitor, Lights, etc. I/O Interface is required whenever the I/O device is driven by the processor

Buses : 

Buses Bus is a set of wires that connects the CPU to memory and I/O It carries information from place to place just as a street bus carries people from place to place. 3 types- Address Bus, Data Bus, Control Bus Address bus is the set of wires that carries addresses of memory or I/O only. Data bus is a set of wires that carries data only. Control bus is a set of wires that carries control signals only.

Modern Computer Architecture : 

Modern Computer Architecture Graphics PCI Northbridge/ Southbridge Chips Hard disk Extra Buses Fundamentals still there

North and South Chips : 

North and South Chips The northbridge and southbridge chips are present on modern motherboards. The northbridge typically handles faster communications among the CPU, RAM, BIOS ROM, and PCI Express (or AGP) video cards. The southbridge is not directly connected to the CPU and as a result it is given responsibility for the slower devices. In rare instances the two chips are combined onto one die when design complexity and fabrication processes permit it.

References : 

References http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWhnMNjxYDQ Lecture Notes: Elements of a Personal Computer (Michael McMahon) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Neumann_architecture http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_von_Neumann http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit