von Neumann Architecture

Origin

• Name honors John von Neumann
• Idea probably originated with J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly

Architecture

• Units processing information are separate from the units storing information
• Five components:
  • Memory unit (computer memory)
    • Holds both data and instructions
  • Arithmetic logic unit
    • Capable of performing arithmetic and logic operations on data
    • Pairs with the control unit to make the cpu
  • Input unit
    • Moves data from outside world --> inside the computer
    • Keyboard, mouse, scanners, etc.
  • Output unit
    • Moves results from inside the computer --> outside world
    • Screens, printers, etc.
  • Control unit
    • Ensures all components work in concert
    • Pairs with the arithmetic logic unit to make the cpu

Bus

• Components are connected by a bus
• Collection of wires
• Data travels through
• Bus width is the amount of bits a bus can simultaneously transfer
• Each bus has:
  • Address
    • Used to select memory location or device to which data will go or be taken from
  • Data
    • Flows over bus between CPU/memory/IO
  • Control
    • Used to manage flow of addresses and data

Computer Science Computing Systems