Slide-wise Explanation of Stored Program Concept Images
1. Basic Stored Program Concept Diagram
Explanation:
The first image (often shown as a block diagram) displays the central idea: both
program instructions and data are stored together in the computer’s main memory.
o Blocks: You’ll typically see two major blocks—Memory (with regions labeled as
instructions and data), and CPU.
o Arrows: Arrow from memory to CPU shows that instructions are fetched one
after another, then executed by the CPU.
o Key Point: This enables the computer to automate tasks by simply loading
different sets of instructions into its memory—no physical rewiring required. [1]
2. Von Neumann Architecture Diagram
Explanation:
This classic image shows the layout of a computer based on the stored program
concept.
o Components:
Memory (where instructions and data are kept together)
CPU (split into Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Input/Output Units
o Connections: Buses connect the memory and CPU, illustrating that both
instructions and data share the same communication channel—the single
memory bus, which is a defining trait of von Neumann architecture. [1]
o Importance: This layout demonstrates how the stored program idea translates
directly into practical computer design.
3. Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle Flowchart
Explanation:
A typical image associated with the stored program concept is a cycle or flowchart:
o Steps:
i. Fetch instruction from memory (address given by Program Counter)
ii. Decode the instruction in the Control Unit
iii. Execute the operation in the ALU
iv. Store result back or output
v. Increment Program Counter, repeat cycle
o Key Points:
i. Shows how the CPU interacts with memory to process instructions
sequentially.
ii. Highlights presence of special registers (like Instruction Register and
Program Counter) involved in the process.[2]
4. Memory Organization Image
Explanation:
This image generally shows part of memory with instructions stored in one section
and data in another—sometimes with an opcode and operand diagram.
o Visuals: Instructions are shown as binary words (e.g., 16 bits, with opcode +
address sections).
o Purpose: Highlights that both instructions and operands can be accessed via
addresses, and illustrates the instruction code format that enables the stored
program concept.[3]
o Key Feature: The ability to alter tasks by simply changing stored instructions
in memory.
5. Historical Computers Illustration (Optional)
Explanation:
Some slides use historical images (like EDVAC, ENIAC, or early PCs) to contextualize
the development of the stored program idea.
o Purpose: These images reinforce how all modern computers—PCs, laptops,
tablets—essentially implement the stored program concept.
o Context: Shows the leap from manual rewiring to flexible software-driven
programming.[1]
6. Von Neumann Bottleneck Diagram
Explanation:
This advanced diagram displays the bottleneck caused by sharing a single bus for
instructions and data.
o Visual: Highlights the bottleneck area where data/instruction transfer can only
happen one at a time.
o Key Point: This limitation arose directly from having both stored together in
memory and led to innovations in computer architecture. [1]
How to Use These Images As a Lecturer
Narrate Each Image: Relate each diagram’s structure to the underlying theory.
Emphasize Flow: Use arrows and connections in the diagrams to show how
instructions move from storage through the CPU and back.
Relate to Real Computers: Connect the abstract concepts and legacy images to
the computers students use today—all are based on this foundational architecture.
By explaining each image individually and connecting them to theory, students can
visualize how the stored program concept underpins every programmable computer—
from historical models to modern smartphones.[3][2][1]
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1. https://drbtaneja.com/stored-program-concept-von-neumann-architecture/
2. https://www.scribd.com/document/715654688/Stored-Program-Computer-Concept-Q2-Electronics
3. https://www.ddegjust.ac.in/Portal/Upload/mca-204.pdf
