Question

Describe the role and relationship between each high-level component of the Von Neumann Architecture? (I/O, Memory, CPU, ALU). b) What are some of the differences between a Von Neumann Architecture and other computing architectures?

Answer 1

The Von Neuman Architecture was first published by Von Neumann in 1945.

The computer design consists of following main components.

1) Control Unit

2) Arithmetic and Logic Unit

3) Memory Unit

4) Registers

5) Input / Outputs

This architecture is based on the stored-program computer concept, where instruction data and program data are stored in the same memory. This design is still used in today's computers

The role and responsibilities of each component in Vonneuman Architecture.

1) Central processing unit.

This the electronic circuit which is responsible for executing the instruction of a computer program given. It is also called a processor. The CPU contains CU, ALU and Registers.

Control Unit(CU): The CU is used to control the operations of Computer ALU, memory and Input/output devices telling them how to respond to the program instruction  

Arithmetic and Logical Unit(ALU): This part is used to perform all arithmetic operations.

Registers: These are high-speed storage areas in CPU. There are different types and you can see it from the diagram.

2) Memory Unit(MU):

The memory unit consists of RAM, which is also referred to as primary memory. This is fast when compared to the hard drive(secondary memory). The RAM is split into two partitions each of which consists of address and its content. The CPU operates much quicker when data is load from harddrive to primary memory.

3) Input/output device:

This input and output devices are used to give input to the CPU. and after processing the input the CPU will display the output using the output devices. Some of the input devices are keyboard mouse etc. Some of the output devices are monitor printer etc.

some of the differences between a Von Neumann Architecture and other computing architectures are as follows:

1) Von Neuman architecture has only one bus which is used for both data transfers and instruction fetch whereas in Harvard architecture there are two buses.

2) Data transfers and instruction fetches cannot be performed simultaneously in Von Neuman architecture whereas Harvard architecture we can perform at the same time.

3) VonNeuman processor requires two clock cycles to executes an instruction whereas Harvard architecture requires one cycle only.

4) Von Neumann architecture is used in personal computers, laptops and Harvard architecture is used in microcontrollers and signal processor.

I hope you got the answers and understand it.

Thank you:):)