Computer Architecture: Concepts And Evolution

Computer Architecture: Concepts and Evolution

ReviewIn Computer Architecture, Blaauw and Brooks first develop a conceptual framework for understanding computer architecture. They then describe not only what present architectural practice is, but how it came to be so. A major theme is the early divergence and the later reconvergence of computer architectures. They examine both innovations that survived and became part of the standard computer, and the many ideas that were explored in real machines but did not survive. In describing the discards, they also address why these ideas did not make it. Computer Architecture analyzes and systematizes familiar design alternatives, and introduces the reader to unfamiliar ones. It illuminates with detailed executable descriptions of both early and more recent computers. The designers most important study is other people's designs. Computer Architecture's computer zoo will give the reader a unique resource for precise information on some 30 important machines. Armed with the factors (pro and con) on the various known solutions to design problems, readers will be better able to determine the most fruitful architectural course for their own designs. -- Midwest Book ReviewBlaauw and Brooks first develop a conceptual framework for understanding computer architecture. They then describe not only what present architectural practice is, but how it came to be so. A major theme is the early divergence and the later reconvergence of computer architectures. They examine both innovations that survived and became part of the standard computer, and the many ideas that were explored in real machines but did not survive. In describing the discards, they also address why these ideas did not make it. The authors' goals are to analyze and systematize familiar design alternatives, and to introduce you to unfamiliar ones. They illuminate their discussion with detailed executable descriptions of both early and more recent computers. The designer's most important study, they argue, is other people's designs. This book's computer zoo will give you a unique resource for precise information about 30 important machines. Armed with the factors pro and con on the various known solutions to design problems, you will be better able to determine the most fruitful architectural course for your own design.From the Inside FlapOur aim in this book is to give a thorough treatment of the art of computer architecture. This work is not intended primarily as a textbook, but rather as a guide and reference for the practicing architect and as a research monograph setting forth a new conceptual framework for computer architecture. We have given enough of the historical evolution that one can see not only what present practice is, but how it came to be so, as well as what has been already tried and discarded. Our goal is to display unfamiliar design alternatives, and to analyze and systematize familiar ones.It seems useful to provide a compendium of the issues arising in the design of computer architecture, and to discuss the factors pro and con on the various known solutions to design problems. Each architect will then be able to provide his own set of weightings to these factors, as dictated by his application, his technology, and his taste and ingenuity.Since any technical matter must be read pen-in-hand, we have provided exercises that will guide one's study, focus attention on critical points, or explore interesting byways.ScopeWe distinguish architecture, implementation, and realization as three separable concerns in the construction of anything, including computer systems. This book is about architecture-the property of a system that determines what programs run, and what results they produce. This is the aspect of a system as perceived by the user. Matters of implementation will be touched upon where they interact strongly with architecture, but implementation is not generally covered. Realization is not treated at all.We are concerned