Computer Architecture
About Computer Architecture
Computer
architecture is a specification detailing how a set of software and
hardware technology standards interact to form a computer system or
platform. In short, computer architecture refers to how a computer
system is designed and what technologies it is compatible with.
Computer
architecture is likened to the art of determining the needs of the
user/system/technology and creating a logical design and standards
based on those requirements.
A very good example of computer
architecture is von Neumann architecture, which is still used by most
types of computers today. This was proposed by the mathematician John
von Neumann in 1945. It describes the design of an electronic computer
with its CPU, which includes the arithmetic logic unit, control unit,
registers, memory for data and instructions, an input/output interface, and external storage functions.
Why is Computer Architecture important?
Computer Architecture is important as it
• Helps to know the execution of computer instruction at the micro level
• Aids in writing programs faster, smaller, and less prone to error.
• Assists in program debugging
• Data flow, memory hierarchy, tradeoffs, and timing analysis can be known
• Embedded systems and processor design can also be harnessed easily
• Write assembly code, real-time code, or time-critical systems coding.
• Understand the relative cost of computer operation and the relation of software and users by their inner workings.
Who should take the Computer Architecture Exam?
• IT or CS professionals
• Innovators
• Programmers and software developers
• Anyone who wants to assess their computing skills
• IT consultants
• Professionals working in outsourced companies responsible for embedded systems, compilers, or system software
• Students and engineers
Computer Architecture Certification Course Outline
1. Basic Structures of Computers
2. Machine Instructions and Programs
3. Input/Output Organisation
4. Memory System
5. Arithmetic
6. Pipelining
7. Processor Families