This book examines computer architecture, computability theory, and the history of computers from the perspective of minimalist computing - a framework in which the instruction set consists of a single instruction. This approach is different than that taken in any other computer architecture text, and it is a bold step. The audience for this book is researchers, computer hardware engineers, software engineers, and systems engineers who are looking for a fresh, unique perspective on computer architecture. Upper division undergraduate students and early graduate students studying computer architecture, computer organization, or embedded systems will also find this book useful. A typical course title might be "Special Topics in Computer Architecture." The organization ofthe book is as follows. First, the reasons for studying such an "esoteric" subject are given. Then, the history and evolution of instruction sets is studied with an emphasis on how modern computing has features ofone instruction computing. Also, previous computer systems are reviewed to show how their features relate to one instruction computers. Next, the primary forms of one instruction set computing are examined. The theories of computation and of Turing machines are also reviewed to examine the theoretical nature of one instruction computers. Other processor architectures and instruction sets are then mapped into single instructions to illustrate the features of both types of one instruction computers. In doing so, the features of the processor being mapped are highlighted.
The one instruction set computer (OISC) is the ultimate reduced instruction set computer (RISC). In OISC, the instruction set consists of only one instruction, and then by composition, all other necessary instructions are synthesized. This is an approach completely opposite to that of a complex instruction set computer (CISC), which incorporates complex instructions as microprograms within the processor. Computer Architecture: A Minimalist Perspective examines computer architecture, computability theory, and the history of computers from the perspective of one instruction set computing - a novel approach in which the computer supports only one, simple instruction. This bold, new paradigm offers significant promise in biological, chemical, optical, and molecular scale computers. Features include: · Provides a comprehensive study of computer architecture using computability theory as a base. · Provides a fresh perspective on computer architecture not found in any other text. · Covers history, theory, and practice of computer architecture from a minimalist perspective. Includes a complete implementation of a one instruction computer. · Includes exercises and programming assignments.
Computer Architecture: A Minimalist Perspective is designed to meet the needs of a professional audience composed of researchers, computer hardware engineers, software engineers computational theorists, and systems engineers. The book is also intended for use in upper division undergraduate students and early graduate students studying computer architecture or embedded systems. It is an excellent text for use as a supplement or alternative in traditional Computer Architecture Courses, or in courses entitled "Special Topics in Computer Architecture."
