5. A Computing Machine
This chapter under major construction.
Architecture refers both to the art of designing computers and to
the process of building them. Our coverage of this topic is centered
around an imaginary machine that is similar to real computers.
We specify the machine in full detail, consider machine-language programs for familiar
tasks, and present a Java simulator for the machine.
In Chapter 6 We continue with a
treatment of circuits and logical design, culminating in a description of
how such a machine might be built from the ground up.
Our intent is to
demystify this apparently formidable challenge while also providing a
context for understanding how Java programming and other familiar
high-level tasks relate to actual machines.
- 5.1 Data Representations describes how data is stored on a digital computer, including binary, hex, and two's complement notation.
- 5.2 The TOY Machine describes the basic components of a simple von Neumann machine known as TOY.
- 5.3 Instruction Set Architecture describes the 16 different instruction types available on the TOY machine.
- 5.4 TOY Programming provides several example TOY programs, including variables, assignment statements, conditionals and loops, and arrays.
- 5.5 TOY Simulator develops a Java program to simulate the behavior of a TOY machine.
Notes.
Here are some old Notes on TOY - they are
gradually getting incorporated into these on-line notes.
Here is the TOY reference card.