Computer System Architecture

Book excerpt: Intended as a text for undergraduate and postgraduate students of engineering in Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, and students pursuing courses in computer applications (BCA/MCA) and computer science (B.Sc./M.Sc.), this state-of-the-art study acquaints the students with concepts and implementations in computer architectures. Though a new title, it is a completely reorganized, thoroughly revised and fully updated version of the author’s earlier book Perspectives in Computer Architecture. The text begins with a brief account of the very early history of computers and describes the von Neumann IAS type of computers; then it goes on to give a brief introduction to the subsequent advances in computer systems covering device technologies, operational aspects, system organization and applications. This is followed by an analysis of the advances and innovations that have taken place in these areas. Advanced concepts such as look-ahead, pipelining, RISC architectures, and multi-programming are fully analyzed. The text concludes with a discussion on such topical subjects as computer networks, microprocessors and microcomputers, microprocessor families, Intel Pentium series, and newer high-power processors. HALLMARKS OF THE BOOK The text fully reflects Professor P.V.S. Rao’s long experience as an eminent academic and his professional experience as an adviser to leading telecommunications/software companies. Gives a systematic account of the evolution of computers Provides a large number of exercises to drill the students in self-study. The five Appendices at the end of the text, cover the basic concepts to enable the students to have a better understanding of the subject. Besides students, practising engineers should also find this book to be of immense value to them.