Computer Organization and Architecture Tutorial
In this Computer Organization and Architecture Tutorial, you’ll learn all the basic to advanced concepts like pipelining, microprogrammed control, computer architecture, instruction design, and format. Computer Organization and Architecture is used to design computer systems.
- Computer architecture is about designing a computer system to balance performance, efficiency, cost, and reliability. It describes how a system is built from its components. This can be a high-level overview or a detailed explanation, including the instruction set architecture, microarchitecture, logic design, and implementation.
- Computer Organization is about how the components of a computer system, like the CPU, memory, and input/output devices, are connected and work together to execute programs. It focuses on the operational aspects and how hardware components are implemented to support the architecture.

Introduction and Basics
- A simple understanding of Computer
- Issues in Computer Design
- Computer System Level Hierarchy
- Assembly language and High level language
- Von Neumann architecture
- Harvard Architecture
- Computer Architecture and Computer Organization
Computer Instructions Set and Addressing Modes
- Basic Computer Instructions
- Representing Instructions in Computer
- Simplified Instructional Computer (SIC)
- Instruction Set used in simplified instructional Computer (SIC)
- Instruction Set used in SIC/XE
- Essential Registers for Instruction Execution
- Addressing Modes
- Single Accumulator based CPU organization
- Stack based CPU Organization
- General Register based CPU Organization
- Memory based Vs Register based addressing modes
- RISC and CISC
- RISC and CISC | Set 2
- Data Manipulation Instructions
- Machine Control Instruction
- Data Transfer instructions in AVR microcontroller
- Arithmetic instructions in AVR microcontroller
- Conditional Branch Instructions in AVR Microcontroller
- CALL Instructions and Stack in AVR Microcontroller
- Branch Instructions in AVR Microcontroller
- Logical Instructions in AVR Microcontroller
Instruction Design and Format
- Different Instruction Cycles
- Machine Instructions
- Instruction Formats (Zero, One, Two and Three Address Instruction)
- 2-address instruction and 1-address instructions
- 3-address instruction and 0-address instruction
- 3-address instruction and 2-address instructions
- Register content and Flag status after Instructions
- Debugging a machine level program
- Vector Instruction Format
- Vector instruction types
- Instruction Word Size
Computer Arithmetic
- Computer Arithmetic | ALU and Data Path
- Computer Arithmetic | Set 1
- Computer Arithmetic | Set 2
- Difference between 1’s complement and 2’s complement
- Restoring Division Algorithm For Unsigned Integer
- Non-Restoring Division For Unsigned Integer
- Booth’s Algorithm
- Overflow in Arithmetic Addition
- How the negative numbers are stored in memory?
Microprogrammed Control
- Micro-Operation
- Microarchitecture and Instruction Set Architecture
- Types of Program Control Instructions
- Difference between CALL and JUMP instructions
- Hardwired v/s Micro-programmed Control Unit
- Implementation of Micro Instructions Sequencer
- Performance of Computer
- Control Unit and design
- Horizontal micro-programmed Vs Vertical micro-programmed control unit
- Comparison between Hardwired Vs Micro-programmed Control unit
- Computer Organization | Subprogram and its characteristics
Memory Organization
- Introduction to memory and memory units
- Memory Hierarchy Design and its Characteristics
- Read and Write operations in memory
- Difference between Byte Addressable Memory and Word Addressable Memory
- Difference between Simultaneous and Hierarchical Access Memory Organizations
- Register Allocation
- Cache Memory
- Cache Organization | Set 1 (Introduction)
- Write Through and Write Back Cache
- Multilevel Cache Organization
- Locality and Cache friendly code
- Locality of Reference and Cache Operation
- What’s difference between CPU Cache and TLB?
- Types of Cache Miss
- Amdahl’s law and its proof
- Subroutine, Subroutine nesting and Stack memory
- Types of computer memory (RAM and ROM)
- RAM vs ROM
- Different Types of RAM
- Secondary memory – Hard disk drive
- Introduction to solid-state drive (SSD)
Input and Output Systems
- Introduction to I/O Interface
- I/O Interface (Interrupt and DMA Mode)
- Interrupts
- Memory mapped I/O and Isolated I/O
- DMA
- Modes of DMA Transfer
- Priority Interrupts | (S/W Polling and Daisy Chaining)
- Direct memory access with DMA controller 8257/8237
- Asynchronous input output synchronization
- Programmable peripheral interface 8255
- Interface 8255 with 8085 microprocessor for 1’s and 2’s complement of a number
- 8255 (programmable peripheral interface)
- Microcomputer system
- Working of 8085-based Single board microcomputer
- Interface 8254 PIT with 8085 microprocessor
- Synchronous Data Transfer
- Input-Output Processor
- MPU Communication
- BUS Arbitration
Pipelining
- Instruction Level Parallelism
- Execution, Stages and Throughput
- Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) Architecture
- Types and Stalling
- Dependencies and Data Hazard
- Branch Prediction in Pentium
Number System and IEEE Number Standards
- Fixed Point Representation
- Introduction to Floating Point Representation
- IEEE Standard 754 Floating Point Numbers
- Number System and Base Conversions
Miscellaneous
- Microprocessor
- Microprocessor | Externally Initiated Operations
- Bus organization of 8085 microprocessor
- Timing diagram of MOV Instruction in Microprocessor
- Interaction of a Program with Hardware
- Generations of computer
- Intel x86 evolution and main features
- Memory Banking
- Introduction to quantum computing
- Conventional Computing vs Quantum Computing
- Vector processor classification
- Rethinking binary with Quantum computers
- Flynn’s taxonomy
- Clusters In Computer Organisation
- Parallel processing – systolic arrays
- 8259 PIC Microprocessor
- Block Diagram of 8259 Microprocessor
- Microprocessor | 8251 USART
- Evolution of Microprocessors
- Human – Computer interaction through the ages
- Computer Ports
- Introduction to Parallel Computing
- Hardware architecture (parallel computing)
- Computer Architecture | Multiprocessor and Multicomputer
- Timing diagram of INR M
- 2D and 2.5D Memory organization
Programs
- Program for Binary To Decimal Conversion
- Program for Decimal to Binary Conversion
- Program for decimal to octal conversion
- Program for octal to decimal conversion
- Program for hexadecimal to decimal
Quick Links
- ‘Quizzes’ on Computer Organization and Architecture !
- ‘Practice Problems’ on Computer Organization and Architecture !
Conclusion
This Computer Organization and Architecture Tutorial has covered the fundamental concepts essential for understanding how computer systems function. From the basic building blocks like registers and ALUs to complex concepts such as pipelining and memory hierarchies, you now have a solid foundation.
Computer Organization and Architecture Tutorial - FAQs
What is computer organization?
Computer organization refers to the operational units and their interconnections that realize the architectural specifications of a computer. It involves the structural relations and the manner in which the components of the computer system are connected and work together.
What is computer architecture?
Computer architecture is the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a computer system. It encompasses the layout of the hardware, the design of the instruction set, and the techniques for data handling and processing. The objective is to outline a blueprint that ensures optimal performance and efficiency.
What is the difference between computer organization and architecture?
While computer architecture is concerned with the conceptual design and functional specification of a computer system, computer organization deals with the detailed operational implementation of the system. Essentially, architecture provides the macro-level blueprint, while organization focuses on the micro-level realization.
Why is understanding computer organization and architecture important?
Understanding computer organization and architecture is crucial for designing efficient computer systems, improving existing ones, and making informed decisions about hardware resources. It also helps in optimizing software to make full use of the underlying hardware and enhance overall system performance.
What are the key components of computer organization?
The key components of computer organization include the central processing unit (CPU), memory hierarchy (registers, cache, RAM, and secondary storage), input/output devices, and the interconnection system (buses and communication channels) that allows these components to interact effectively.