What is COA(Computer Organization and
Architecture)?
• It is the study of internal working, structuring and
implementation of a computer system.
• Architecture in computer system refers to the externally
visual attributes of the system.
• Organization of computer system results in realization of
architectural specifications of a computer system.
Overview
Computer organization
physical aspects of computer systems.
E.g., circuit design, control signals, memory types.
How does a computer work?
Computer architecture
Logical aspects of system as seen by the programmer.
E.g., instruction sets, instruction formats, data types,
addressing modes.
How do I design a computer?
Why study computer organization and architecture?
• Design better programs, including system software such
as compilers, operating systems, and device drivers.
• Optimize program behavior.
• Evaluate (benchmark) computer system performance.
• Understand time, space, and price tradeoffs.
Computer Architecture VS Computer Organization
Computer Architecture Computer Organization
Concerned with the way hardware components are Concerned with the structure and behaviour of a
connected together to form a computer system. computer system as seen by the user.
Acts as the interface between hardware and Deals with the components of a connection in a
software. system.
Helps us to understand the functionalities of a Tells us how exactly all the units in the system are
system. arranged and interconnected.
A programmer can view architecture in terms of Whereas Organization expresses the realization of
instructions, addressing modes and registers. architecture.
While designing a computer system architecture is An organization is done on the basis of
considered first. architecture.
Deals with high-level design issues. Deals with low-level design issues.
Architecture involves Logic (Instruction sets, Organization involves Physical Components
Addressing modes, Data types, Cache (Circuit design, Adders, Signals, Peripherals)
optimization)