Embedded computer architecture fundamentals

Abstract

This chapter provides a condensed view of essential computer/embedded system architecture concepts and terminology are clarified. An experienced reader may wish to skip this chapter or browse through it quickly and return later, in case some clarification is needed when reading the following chapters. The chapter is not based on any particular reference, but the author has learned a major part of the issues presented here from the bible of computer architecture by Hennessy and Patterson [187]. Other good references include textbooks by Stallings [388], Tanenbaum [409], Heuring and Jordan [192], and Patterson and Hennessy [336]. Regarding parallel architectures the books by Flynn [128], Sima, Fountain and Karsuk [377], Silc, Robic and Ungerer [376], and Corporaal [92] are good reading. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.