Dissecting Computer Architecture

This book explains the fundamental technologies and components used in modern processors and computer architectures and how varied architectural choices culminate in computer configurations that are optimal for certain applications. To put it nicely, modern computers are sophisticated gadgets. Nevertheless, when examined hierarchically, the roles of each degree of complexity become apparent. We will cover a large number of subjects in this book and will only be able to investigate each of them to a limited extent due to space constraints. Our objective is to present a comprehensive overview of each significant technology and subsystem found in a modern digital device and to explain how they interact with other system components. Cover Title Page Copyright ABOUT THE AUTHOR TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures List of Tables List of Abbreviations Preface Chapter 1 Introduction to Computer Architecture 1.1. Introduction 1.2. Fundamental Concepts 1.3. Processors 1.4. Basic System Architecture 1.5. Characteristics of Von Neumann Machine 1.6. Buses 1.7. Processor Operation 1.8. ALU 1.9. Interrupts 1.10. CISC and RISC 1.11. Input/Output 1.12. DMA 1.13. Parallel and Distributed Computers 1.14. Embedded Computer Architecture References Chapter 2 Classification of Computer Architecture 2.1. Introduction 2.2. Von-Neumann Architecture 2.3. Harvard Architecture 2.4. Instruction Set Architecture 2.5. Microarchitecture 2.6. System Design References Chapter 3 Computer Memory Systems 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Memory Hierarchy 3.3. Managing the Memory Hierarchy 3.4. Caches 3.5. Main Memory 3.6. Present and Future Research Problems References Chapter 4 Computer Processing and Processors 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Computer Processors 4.3. Computer Processes (Computing) 4.4. Multitasking and Process Management 4.5. Process States 4.6. Inter-Process Communication (IPC) 4.7. Historical Background of Computer Processing 4.8. Types of Central Processing Units (CPUS) References Chapter 5 Interconnection Networks 5.1. Introduction 5.2. Questions About Interconnection Networks 5.3. Uses of Interconnection Networks 5.4. Network Basics References Chapter 6 Superscalar Processors 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Sources of Complexity 6.3. Basic Structures 6.4. Current Implementations 6.5. A Complexity-Effective Microarchitecture References Chapter 7 Measurement of Computer Performance 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Common Goals of Performance Analysis 7.3. Solution Techniques 7.4. Assessing Performance With Benchmarks References Chapter 8 Recent Developments in High-Performance Computing 8.1. Introduction 8.2. A Short History of Supercomputers 8.3. 2000–2005: Intel Processors, Cluster, and the Earth-Simulator 8.4. 2005 and Beyond References Index Back Cover