What is computer architecture?

Everyone who has decided to study the device of an electronic computer, necessarily collides with the term "computer architecture". Its full definition can not be given, 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 components of the device and the way they interact. Since the average computer owner is more likely to be interested in the components, rather than the commands, then we will consider the question from this side.

The computer architecture is a way of organizing the interaction of the components that make up the computer. To simplify understanding, descriptions of key characteristics of key components are often provided.

All modern computers are based on the data processing principles proposed by John von Neumann in 1946. A distinctive feature is a cyclic way of performing a process, in which the operands and data are placed in the same memory block. By the way, this fact explains why the von Neumann computer ( von Neumann) architecture is used in all modern computers. However, attempts to depart from it have been undertaken for a long time.

But back to the devices that determine what the architecture of a personal computer looks like. Although many sources are called the central processing unit (CPU), however, this is highly controversial with respect to classical computer systems.

The main element, indirectly allowing you to determine which computer architecture is used, is the motherboard. On it are the communication lines (buses) between all components that connect to the motherboard (and 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 running for execution is imperceptibly transformed for the user (interpreted) into machine code and executed exactly on the central processor. The architecture of the 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 the interaction:

• CPU and RAM modules;
• Between the ports of the connected external devices and the RAM. There is a mechanism that allows the components to work with the system memory using a special controller, bypassing the central processor;
• Between the ports of the motherboard and the CPU.

RAM is a necessary part of any computing device, even the simplest calculator. In computers, memory transistors are implemented in microcircuits soldered to a strip of textolite with a series of copper sliding contacts. Each bar is inserted into the corresponding connector of 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, the subsequent Core assumes the use of only DDR3.

In addition to operational, there is a fundamentally different kind of memory. It is represented, first of all, by devices on magnetic disks (hard disks).

In addition to internal components, there is a huge number of external devices. Only thanks to them it is possible to provide interaction of the person and the machine. For example, a monitor, a mouse, a keyboard, a 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 the architecture of the computer. More detailed information on the components can be found on the Internet.