Architecture

Question 1

Von Neumann Architecture

Answer 1

This architecture includes the basic components of the computer and processor (single control unit​, ​ALU​, ​registers​ and ​memory units​) in which a ​shared memory ​and ​shared data bus​ is used for both data and instructions. Von Neumann architecture is built on the stored program concept.

Question 2

Harvard Architecture

Answer 2

Harvard architecture has physically separate memories for instructions and data, more commonly used with embedded processors.This is useful for when memories have different characteristics i.e. instructions may be read only, while data may be read-write.

Question 3

advantages of harvard architecture

Answer 3

Quicker execution​ as data and instructions can be fetched in parallel.

Memories can be different sizes​, which can make more efficient use of space

Question 4

advantages of on nueman architecture

Answer 4

Cheaper to develop​ as the control unit is easier to design

Programs can be ​optimised in size

Question 5

Contemporary Processing

Answer 5

Contemporary processors use a ​combination of Harvard and Von Neumann​ architecture. Von Neumann is used when working with data and instructions in main memory, but uses Harvard architecture to divide the cache into instruction cache and data cache.