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TDT4160: Computers and Digital Design

# Preface This compendium tries to explain the essence of the course. The information provided is largely based on the course book "Structured Computer Organization" and the lecture slides. Please note that this compendium is written by students, so please be critical to what you read. Anyone is allowed to edit this compendium, so feel free to make improvements.

# Von Neumann Architecture Von neumann architecture is a computer architecture that most computers are based on. A computer consists of three parts: Processor, Memory (Data and instructions), Input & Output devices (I/O). Another known architecture is the Harvard architecture which is very similar to the von neumann architecture, only that there are two seperate memories, one for data and one for the instructions. # Chapter 1: Introduction

The first chapter introduces some fundamental definitions and explainations of computer design. It also presents the history of computer design. ## Structured computer organization Digital computer : A machine that can do work for people by carrying out instructions given to it. Program : A sequence of instructions describing how to perform a certain task.