This document summarizes a lecture on advanced computer architecture given by Dr. Noor M. Sheikh and Dr. Anjum Ali. It introduces the basic concepts of how a computer operates under program instruction control, and provides block diagrams of computer components. It defines computer architecture as the programmer-visible portion of an instruction set. Computer architects design at different levels of abstraction, from the system-level down to circuit-level implementation. Recommended textbooks on computer systems design and architecture are also provided.

1. Advanced Computer
Architecture
Lecture # 1
by
Dr. Noor M. Sheikh
Dean, Electrical Engg. Department
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore,
And
Dr. Anjum Ali
Professor, Al-KICS,
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore,

2. How Computer Operates?
A computer operates under the
control of instructions stored in its
own memory unit, that can accept
data (input), process data
arithmetically and logically, produce
output from the processing, and store
the results for future use.

3. Block diagram

4. Block diagram of a modern
general purpose digital computer

5. Architecture
• The art or science of building
• A style and method of design
and construction

6. Computer Architecture
• The term Computer
Architecture was coined at
IBM in the 1960s
• It was used to refer to the
programmer visible portion of
the instruction set of the IBM
360 family of computers

7. Computer Architecture
(continued…)
• The structure of a computer
that a machine language
programmer must
understand to write correct
programs for the machine

8. Who is a Computer Architect?
Answer:
A person who designs
computers

9. What do we mean by “design”?
• Design is the process of
devising a system, component,
or process to meet desired
needs.

10. What do we mean by “design”?
(continued)
• It is a decision-making process
(usually iterative), in which the
basic sciences, and math and
engineering sciences are applied
to convert resources optimally to
meet a stated objective.

11. Levels of Abstraction
• System Design
• Logic Design
• Circuit Design

12. Digital Design: Levels of Abstraction
System Design:
 Processor-Memory-Switch (PMS) level- system
components and their interconnections are described.
The components are specified in a block diagram
form. The processor includes the data path and
control.
 Instruction Set Level - the function of each
instruction is defined. The emphasis is on the
behavior of the system rather than the hardware
structure of the system.
 Register Transfer Level - hardware structure is more
visible. The basic elements indicated are registers.

13. Digital Design: Levels of Abstraction
(continued)
Logic Design:
 Also called gate level abstraction. We use
gates and flip-flops. The behavior is less
visible, while the hardware structure
dominates.

14. Digital Design: Levels of Abstraction
(continued)
Circuit Design:
 Gives visibility to resistors, transistors,
capacitors, and diodes.
 Mask Level – this shows the silicon structure
of the chip. The layout and its implementation
is given in the Integrated System Design.

15. Course text book
"Computer Systems Design and
Architecture" by V.P. Heuring and
H.F. Jordan, Addison Wesley,
1997.

16. Reference books
• “Computer Architecture: A Qualitative
Approach”, 2nd ed” by Hennesy &
Patterson, Morgan Kaufmann, 1996.
• “Computer Organization and
Architecture”, by William Stallings,
Prentice Hall, 6th edition.