This new text makes the design and implementation of computer systems accessible and understandable for the beginning engineering or computer science student. The authors take a "No Mysteries" approach to computer systems. They interrelate three different viewpoints to provide a unique understanding of the subject:the perspective of the logic designer, the assembly language programmer, and the computer architect.
The text has up-to-the-minute coverage of the latest developments in microprocessors, including ALU, pipelining, memory hierarchy, networks and the Internet. And, rather than focusing on a single type of architecture, Heuring and Jordan examine both CISC and RISC models at the ISA level using the unambiguous language of RTN (Register Transfer Notation), allowing for a more in-depth appreciation of different machine structures and functions.
Back Cover
A Balance of Art & Science
Desktop computers have evolved from simple, stand alone units into complex systems attached to high-speed networks and internetworks. This book is a systems oriented approach to modern computer architecture that is shaped by the design experience of the two engineers who built the first stored program optical computer. Emphasis is on the techniques used to achieve high performance in computer construction while describing the real-world tradeoffs involved in designing for optimal performance at an acceptable cost.
Design
The design focus is from three perspectives: the gate level, the instruction-set-architecture level, and the computer system level. These views are used throughout the text stressing interrelationships, and showing the tasks, responsibilities, and tools used by computer design team members working at each level.
Features
- In-depth coverage of state-of-the-art topics such as pipelined processor design, memory hierarchy, networking, and the Internet.
- Understandable, step-by-step explanation of the design process for a model architecture, from the instruction set design level to the processor design level.
- A simple formal description language (RTN) used throughout to describe machine structure and function.
- Clear, effective 2 color illustrations.
- A comprehensive tutorial on digital logic design, providing background material for readers without previous digital design experience.
- Extensive instructional support materials, including over 600 electronic lecture transparencies, and a complete solutions manual available for instructors. Software support tools include an assembler and simulator for the model architecture written in ANSI C.
Resource
Computer Systems Design and Architecture is a practical introduction and discussion of some common commercial architectures, created with a strong electrical and computer engineering perspective. It is suitable for an introductory course on computer design, and as a reference for the practicing computer engineer.
With a contribution by Miles Murdocca
