T.R. Lewin - Böcker

This work is concerned with the way in which the computer in its simplest form is a component in a system which can be used to construct complex computer architectures. Fundamental aspects of digital computers, such as stored programs, data representatic and arithmetic are covered, although it is assumed that students will have some knowledge of digital systems. The early chapters are used to establish a basic understanding of the essentials of digital systems and microprogramming before going on to consider the implementation of microprocessors in computer systems. The chapters on memory systems and input/output systems have been rewritten, and there are new sections on advanced computer architectures, including parallel processing and RISC architecture and computer networks such as local area networks. The final chapter deals with testing and reliability of computer systems and the use of software tools in system design. Each chapter features numerous worked examples and problems with the full worked solutions given at the end of the book. Comprehensive references to the literature are also provided at the end of each chapter.

This book presents as formal papers nearly all of the lectures given at the NATO advanced summer institute on Computer Architecture held at St. Raphael, France from September 12th - 24th 1976. It was not possible to include an important paper by G. Amdahl on the 470V6 System, nor papers by Mde. A. Recoque on distributed processing, Messrs. A. Maison and G. Debruyne on LSI technology, and K. Bowden. Computer architecture is a very diverse and expanding subject, consequently it was decided to limit the scope of the School to five main subject areas. These were: specific computer architectures, language orientated machines, associative processing, computer networks and specification and design methods. In addition an overall emphasis was placed on distributed and parallel processing and the need for an integrated hardware-software approach to design. Though some introductory material is included, this book is primarily intended for workers in the field of computer science and engineering who wish to update themselves on current topics in computer architecture. The main work of the School is well reflected in the collected papers, but it is impossible to convey the benefits obtained from the discussion groups and the continuous dialogue that was maintained throughout the School. The Editors would like to acknowledge with thanks the support of the NATO Scientific Affairs Division, who financed the School, and the European Research Office of the U.S. Army and the National Science Foundation for providing travel grants.