Computer System Architecture 3ed

Computer System Architecture by M. Morris Mano, 3rd edition, is a foundational textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the design and organization of computer hardware. The book strikes a balance between computer architecture (how the various functional modules interact to meet user needs) and computer organization and design (the internal structure and implementation of those modules). It is widely used by students in computer engineering and computer science programs.
Key Topics Covered
The book is structured to guide the reader from basic digital logic concepts to complex computer systems. Key topics include:
• Digital Logic and Components: It starts with the basics of digital systems, covering Boolean algebra, logic gates, and fundamental digital components like decoders, multiplexers, registers, and counters.
• Data Representation: The text explains how different data types, especially numbers, are represented in binary form for arithmetic operations.
• Register Transfer Language (RTL): It introduces a simple RTL to symbolically describe the data flow and microoperations within a computer system, a key concept for understanding hardware design.
• Basic Computer Organization: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the step-by-step design of a simple, elementary computer, which serves as a powerful case study for understanding the principles of a stored-program, general-purpose machine.
• CPU and Arithmetic: It delves into the organization and architecture of the central processing unit (CPU), including instruction formats, addressing modes, and the design of the control unit. The book also covers computer arithmetic and the implementation of arithmetic algorithms.
• Advanced Topics: The 3rd edition features updated and new content on advanced subjects, including pipeline and vector processing (a new chapter), memory organization (covering cache and virtual memory), and multiprocessors (another new chapter).
• Input/Output Organization: It details how a processor interacts with external peripheral devices and the methods for asynchronous data transfer.
Overall, the book is praised for its clear explanations and logical progression of topics, making it an excellent resource for anyone seeking a solid foundation in computer hardware and organization.