Von Neumann Architecture

Von Neumann Architecture

The Von Neumann Architecture was the first major proposed structure for a general purpose computer.

The key features of Von Neumann architecture are as follows:

1. The most basic function performed by a computer is the execution of a program.
2. The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations in a special storage area called register as per the instruction of control unit.
3. An Input/Output system including i/o devices allow data input and reporting of the results in proper form and format. For transfer of information the computer system internally needs a system interconnection ( i.e. Bus Interconnection).
4. Main Memory is needed in a computer to store instructions and the data at the time of program execution.
5. It was pointed out by Von Neumann that the same memory can be used for storing both the instructions and data. In such a case the data can be treated as data on which processing can be done, while instructions can be treated as data, which can be used for the generation of desired control signal.
6. The Von Neumann machine uses stored program concept, i.e. the program and data are stored in the same memory unit for execution.
7. Execution of instruction in the Von Neumann machine is controlled in a sequential fashion from one instruction to the next.
8. A Von Neumann machine has only a single path between the main memory and control unit. This feature is referred to as Von Neumann Bottleneck.