Von Neumann Architecture

An architecture on how a computer can be built. Simple and implementable proposal but not the best mechanism for operations such as disk access or time critical operations.

Von Neumann Machine

A computer structure resulting from Von Neumann architecture.

Parts of a Von Neumann Machine

• A memory - contains both data and instructions
• A calculating unit - capable of performing both arithmetic and logical operations on the data
• A control unit - which could interpret an instruction retrieved from the memory and select alternative courses of action based on the results of previous operations

CPU centric system

• Each operation is carried only by the CPU
• Every movement of data is made via the CPU
• Memory is the only “direct access” storage device for the CPU
• Only one operation is carried out by the CPU at any time