This document discusses computer architectural design methodology. It defines architecture as a high-level model that describes critical aspects of a thing to allow evaluation before it is built. Computer architecture establishes the overall structure of a computer system using multiple models. The design methodology involves system design, the design process of analysis and synthesis, and design at different levels from the processor down to the gate level.

2. Computer
Architectural Design
Methodology

3. What is Architecture
• A high-level model of a thing
• Describes critical aspects of the thing
• Understandable to many stakeholders
• Allows evaluation of the thing’s properties before it is built
• Provides well understood tools and techniques for
constructing the thing from its blueprint

4. What is Computer
Architecture?
Technology
Applications
Computer
Architect
Interfaces
Measurement&
Evaluation
API
ISA
Link
I/OChan
IR
Regs
Machine Organization

5. Architectural Design
• Establishing the overall structure of a computer system
• To introduce architectural design and to discuss its
importance
• To explain why multiple models are required to
document a computer architecture
• To describe types of architectural model that may be
used

6. Design Methodology
• System Design:
• A computer is an example of a system, which is defined informally as a
collection – often a large and complex one – of objects called components,
that are connected to form a coherent (consistent) entity with a specific
function or purpose. The function of the system is determined by the
functions of its components and how the components are connected.

7. Design Methodology
• Design Process: Given a system’s structure, the task of determining
its function or behavior is termed analysis. The converse problem
of determining a system structure that exhibits a given behavior is
design or synthesis.

8. Design Methodology
Begin
End
Construct an
initial design
Evaluate its cost
and performance
Are
the design
goal met?
Modify the design
to meet the goals

9. Design Methodology
Design levels:
The processor level, also called the architecture, behavior,
or system level
The register level, also called the register-transfer level
(RTL).
The gate level, also called the logic level