The stored program computer architecture is a type of computer design where both the program instructions and data are stored in the computer’s memory.
Here is a diagram of the basic components of a stored program computer architecture:
The memory holds both the program instructions and data, as shown in the diagram.
The CPU performs the instructions by fetching them from memory, decoding them, executing them, and storing the results back in memory.
The I/O devices are used to interact with the outside world, such as keyboards, mice, and displays.
The CPU consists of several components, including the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), control unit, and registers.
The ALU performs mathematical and logical operations on data, the control unit manages the flow of instructions, and the registers hold data and instructions temporarily during processing.
Overall, the stored program computer architecture is a versatile and flexible design that has become the standard for most modern computers.
Its ability to store program instructions and data in memory allows for easy modification and updates, and its use of a CPU and I/O devices enables powerful and dynamic computing capabilities.
Architecture in Detail
Here is a more detailed description of the components of the stored program computer architecture:
1. Memory: The memory is where both the program instructions and data are stored. It consists of a series of storage locations, each of which can hold a single byte of information.
The memory is divided into two main parts: the code segment, which holds the program instructions, and the data segment, which holds the data used by the program.
2. CPU: The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing program instructions. It consists of several components, including:
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs mathematical and logical operations on data.
Control Unit: The control unit manages the flow of instructions, determining which instructions are fetched from memory, decoding them, and executing them in the correct order.
Registers: The registers are temporary storage locations used by the CPU to hold data and instructions during processing.
Input/Output (I/O) Devices: The I/O devices are used to interact with the outside world. They include devices such as keyboards, mice, displays, printers, and network cards.
In a stored program computer architecture, program instructions are fetched from memory by the CPU and stored temporarily in registers. The instructions are then decoded and executed by the ALU, with the results stored back in memory. This process continues until the program is complete.
The stored program computer architecture is a flexible and versatile design that allows for easy modification and updates to program instructions and data. It has become the standard for most modern computers, enabling powerful and dynamic computing capabilities.