Question

What is the benefit of a harvard architecture for a cache?

Answer 1

The contempory or the alternative of the Harvard architecture is the Von Neumann architecture. The Von Neumann architecture or design is still found in existing computers but Harvard architecture for a cache was found to be better than Von Neumann with respect to some aspects. In Von Neumann architecture instruction data and program data are stored in the same memory. There is no distinction data and program memory but in case of Harvard architecture, CPU is separately linked with both program memory and data memory. The speed of execution and performance of a Harvard architecture are much better and faster as compared to Von Neumann as the processor is able to fetch both instruction and data together unlike von Neumann where this task is achieved separately and not simultaneously. This is made possible by presence of 2 separate buses in case of Harvard architecture. Harvard architecture was concieved and developed to overcome the shortcomings of Von Neumann architecture.

Hence, the main benefits of Harvard architecture is it's speed, performance and faster execution due to the reasons mentioned above.

Hope that helps !!