GROUP 1: HISTORY AND OVERVIEW ON COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

Members: Abiera, Vince S. | Ablir, Precious Julia | Alferez, Von Kristan M.

LAB 1. Introduction to Computer Architecture

I. Definition of Computer Architecture

• Computer Architecture: The structure of a computer system, organizing electrical

components to achieve control, automation, and efficient operation.

• Two Goals of Computer Architecture

o High Performance

o Low Cost

II. Major Components of Computer Architecture

1. Input Units and Associated Peripherals: Devices that feed data into the system
like mouse, keyboard, camera, and translate it into machine-readable form.

2. Output Unit and Associated Peripherals: Devices that present processed data
to users like speakers, displays, printers.

3. Storage Unit or Memory: Stores data for computing; includes primary (RAM,
ROM) and secondary storage (HDD, SSD).

4. Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes system instructions and includes

registers, ALU, and control circuits.

5. Bootloader: A program that loads the operating system into memory.

6. Operating System (OS): Manages memory, peripherals, and user interaction.

7. Buses: Allow data transfer across components; example: USB.

8. Interrupts: Used to divert the processor’s attention to address specific

occurrences.
III. Importance of Computer Architecture

• Knowledge of computer architecture enables engineers to develop better

computer systems.

• Computer architectures evolve to meet growing user demands.

• Computer architecture is crucial for the advancement of IT, improving performance,

reliability, and user experience.

LAB 2. History of Computer Architecture

The history and overview of computer architecture is a progression of key

innovations and developments, starting from mechanical computation devices to
modern computer systems.

● Jacquard Loom (1804): Joseph Marie Jacquard's programmable loom introduced

the concept of stored programming using punched cards.

● Difference Engine (1820): Charles Babbage's early automated calculator laid the
foundation for future computing models.

● Punched Cards (1890): Herman Hollerith’s data processing for the US Census,
which led to the formation of IBM.

● ENIAC (1945): The first fully electronic programmable computer.

● CDC 6600 (1964): Seymour Cray's supercomputer revolutionized performance.

● Cray-1 (1976): The first vector supercomputer advanced scientific computing.

● Pentium Pro (1995): Intel's architecture impacted the debate on processor design
(RISC vs. CISC).

● NVIDIA GeForce 256 (1999): The first GPU paved the way for modern graphics
and high-performance computing.
 ● Hyper-threading (2000): Intel introduced this technology to enhance CPU
efficiency through multithreading.

Understanding the history of computer architecture is important because it

highlights how advancements in technology shaped modern computing capabilities.

LAB 3: Fundamentals of Computer Architecture

I. CPU

• CPU – stands for Central Processing Unit, is the “active brain” of the computer
as it manages all the data that goes in and out of the system. It is responsible
for processing, storing, and executing instructions based on the user input.

• Function of a CPU

1. Fetching involves retrieving data from the main memory,

2. Decoding translates binary instructions into electrical signals for

communication within the CPU, and

3. Executing carries out the processed instructions.

• Components of a CPU

The Central Processing Unit is composed of the following components

(Powell & Smalley, 2024):

1. Control Unit. The main purpose of the control unit is to regulate and
assign tasks to different parts of a computer system.

2. Arithmetic Logic Unit. The ALU is responsible for processing

arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division, and it also covers logical operations.

3. Memory Unit. The memory unit handles the communication between

CPU and RAM.
II. Type of Memory

1. RAM: Volatile memory that stores actively used data and instructions when
the computer is on.

2. ROM: Retains data even when the computer is off, storing permanent data
and instructions that cannot be modified.

3. Cache: Located inside the CPU, provides extremely fast memory for
frequently accessed data, enabling rapid reading and writing.

III. I/O Devices - I/O: Input/Output Devices are hardware components that are
capable of sending and receiving data.

1. Input Devices: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphones, and WEB cameras.

2. Output Devices: Monitor, Speakers, Projectors, and printers.

References:

Gallo, K. (2024, September 20). What is I/O (Input/Output)? Built In.

https://builtin.com/hardware/i-o-input-output

Groves, R. (n.d.). Brief History of Computer Architecture Evolution and Future Trends.
https://cds.cern.ch/record/399391/files/p147.pdf?version=1

Gyan (2024, April 14). PPS Notes B tech 1st Year. Engineering Gyan; Engineering Gyan.
https://www.engineeringgyan.in/2024/04/PPS-Notes-B%20tech-1st-Year.html

Kania, J. P. (2021). Modern computer architecture using different techniques. International

Journal of Computer Applications, 183(36), 47.

Ledin, J. (2020). Modern computer architecture and organization. Packt Publishing, p. 4.

Powell, P., & Smalley, I. (2024). CPU. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/central-processing-unit

Smith, R. E. (1988). A historical overview of computer architecture. Annals of the History of

Computing, 10(4), 277–303. https://doi.org/10.1109/MAHC.1988.10039

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024, September 15). Central processing unit (CPU)
| Definition & Function. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/central-processing-unit

What is a Memory Unit. (2022, July 21). Unacademy.

https://unacademy.com/content/question-answer/gk/what-is-a-memory-unit/

Young, C. (2021). A Brief and Biased History of Computer Architecture (Part 2). Retrieved from
https://www.sigarch.org/a-brief-and-biased-history-of-computer-architecture-part-2/