Computer Systems & Architecture

Computer Systems & Architecture

Use this page to revise how a stored-program computer is put together — enough to read an MCU block diagram.

CPU, memory, I/O

The CPU fetches and executes instructions. Memory holds instructions and data. I/O connects to the world (GPIO, ADC, UART). A bus moves addresses and data between them.

Von Neumann vs. Harvard

Von Neumann: instructions and data share a memory space. Harvard: separate instruction and data memories (common on MCUs, sometimes mixed in practice).

Memory map and peripherals

On an MCU, memory-mapped peripherals look like addresses: writing a register changes a pin. Flash holds the program; RAM holds stack and variables; some devices have EEPROM or extra flash for config.

Starting Points

• Data representation
• Microcontrollers & memory

Key Points

• You can explain CPU, memory, and I/O in one sentence each.
• You can contrast von Neumann and Harvard at a high level.
• You can explain what a memory map is and what a peripheral register is.
• You can distinguish flash vs. RAM vs. persistent config storage.