What Does Von Neumann Architecture Consist Of?

Von Neumann architecture consists of a series of computer components. Since the earliest models, computers have had the same basic underlying structure and operation. This specific structure, which is basically the process by which the computer does what it does, was first conceived by a mathematician named Von Neumann, and the structure bears his name today.

Von Neumann architecture consists of a series of components, which interact with one another in a specific way. The basic idea behind Von Neumann architecture is outlined below. Keep in mind that, while some of the terms may sound familiar to us today, here they are being used in a very basic, scientific sense; they are the same components we recognize, but at the time of the architecture’s development, they were not yet developed to that level.

Components

Understanding what Von Neumann architecture consists of several different components, including:

• Memory
• Control Unit
• Input and Output
• Arithmetic Unit

Memory

Computer memory stores the various programmed instructions for how to operate, as well as temporary data used to perform various functions. It also functions as storage for user data. Memory cells (RAM) hold onto this data until it is called by the control unit and pulled into use.

Control Unit

The basic driving force behind the computer, the control unit retrieves required memory, decodes it, and issues commands to perform them.

Input and Output

The input and output components are how the computer communicates; it both intakes information and is able to put it out and interact and deliver information.

Arithmetic Unit

The arithmetic unit is the “math” going on behind the scenes, operating electrical current. Today this component is incorporated into the Control Unit, and the two together make up the modern processor.

Architecture Process

To better understand what the Von Neumann architecture consists of, it is also essential to understand the basic process of Von Neumann architecture. The Von Neumann architecture process, broken down into steps, looks like this:

• Pull instruction from memory.

• Transfer it to Control Unit for translation.
• Control Unit sends out signal of instructions.
• Various other components of the machine perform.

Sound familiar? It’s actually quite similar, although a lot simpler, than the modern system that we still use today. 

Von Neumann's Importance

The key thing to know about Von Neumann architecture is the fact that it operates using stored-program information. Before Von Neumann architecture, computers operated by receiving real-time signals, from switches and other devices; each component had to, in a sense, “relearn” what it was meant to do every time the machine functioned.

The Von Neumann architecture and the stored-program design created the computer’s ability to hold its directions within itself, and, when called into action, use them according to programmed instructions and data, both stored in the RAM.