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Computer Science  Meaning of computer architecture  (1950 – 1960s), and Flynn’s Taxonomy
                                                     (1966).
           All  computers, regardless of their
           size, are founded on a set of computer
                                                     Von Neumann architecture
           architecture  principles describing how
           hardware and software connect to make  The Von Neumann architecture, named
          FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
                                                     after mathematician and physicist John
           them function.
                                                     von Neumann, refers to the traditional
           Computer architecture, is the design  computer  architecture  design where
           and organisation of computer systems,  instructions and data share the same
           including the arrangement of hardware  memory space. In this architecture,
           components such as Central Processing  a single bus system is used for both
           Unit (CPU), memory, input/output devices,  data  and instructions,  allowing the
           system bus, and the control unit. The  CPU to  fetch  and  execute instructions
           CPU executes instructions, and memory  sequentially. It is characterised by a
           stores data and programs, while input/    central processing unit (CPU), memory
           output devices facilitate communication.  unit,  input/output  (I/O) devices,  and  a
           System bus links these components, and  control unit, forming the foundation for
           the control unit synchronises and manages  most modern computing systems.
           their operations. Computer architects play
           a vital role in the design and optimisation   Activity 1.1:
           of this intricate process. They serve as
           the  masterminds  behind  the  scenes,     Simulation of Von Neumann
           establishing the specifications, instruction   architecture (Movement of data)
           sets, and communication protocols that     Aim:
           ensure all these parts work seamlessly     To enhance comprehension of how
           together.                                  these components work together to
                                                      execute instructions and process data
           Classification of computer                 within a computer system.
           architecture
           Computer architecture classification is    Materials:
           the categorisation of different types of   Computer, Johnny simulator software,
           computer architectures based on their      Internet if you don’t have a simulator
           underlying design principles, organisation,   Instructions:
           and functionality These classifications are   Using Johnny simulator, visualise and
           Von Neumann architecture which was         explore the three parts of the processor
           proposed in 1940, followed by the Harvard   in a  Von Neumann architecture:
           architecture (late 1940 – early 1950),     Arithmetic  Logic Unit, Random
           Modified  Harvard  Architecture  (late     Access Memory (RAM) and Control
           1950), non-Von Neumann architecture        Unit.


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                                                                for Advanced Secondary Schools



     Computer Science Form 5.indd   2                                                       23/07/2024   12:32
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