COMPUTER SYSTEM & ARCHITECTURE

CHAPTER 1

DIGITAL LOGIC CIRCUITS AND COMPONENTS

1.1. DIGITAL COMPUTERS

DEFINITION:

1. A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits,
usually in the binary number system.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF DIGITAL COMPUTER

Following are some types of Digital Computers on the basis of power, speed ,size and
memory:
1. Mainframe computers:
Large organizations use mainframes for highly critical applications such as bulk data
processing and ERP. Most of the mainframe computers have capacities to host multiple
operating systems and operate as a number of virtual machines. They can substitute for several
small servers.
2. Microcomputers:

A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit is known as a

microcomputer. They do not occupy space as much as mainframes do. When supplemented with
a keyboard and a mouse, microcomputers can be called personal computers. These computers
are the best choice for single-user tasks.

3. Mini computers:

In terms of size and processing capacity, minicomputers lie in between mainframes and
microcomputers. Minicomputers are also called mid-range systems or workstations. The term
began to be popularly used in the 1960s to refer to relatively smaller third generation
computers. They took up the space that would be needed for a refrigerator or two and used
transistor and core memory technologies.

4. Super computers:

The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively performed by means of

supercomputers. Quantum physics, mechanics, weather forecasting, molecular theory are best
studied by means of supercomputers. Their ability of parallel processing and their well-designed
memory hierarchy give the supercomputers, large transaction processing powers.
1.2. LOGIC GATES

DEFINITION:

A logic gate is a basic building block of a digital circuit that has two inputs and
one output. These gates are implemented using electronic switches like transistors,
diodes. But, in practice basic logic gates are built using CMOS technology, FETS
and MOSFET(Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET)s.

Logic gates are used in microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded system

applications and in electronic and electrical project circuits.

The basic logic gates are categorized into seven: AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR,
XNOR and NOT. These logic gates with their logic gate symbols and truth tables are
explained below.
 UNIVERSAL LOGIC GATE

A universal logic gate is one which can implement any Boolean function {0,1}, without the use of any
other logic gate. The NAND and NOR gates are called universal logic gates because all the other
gates can be created using these two.
1.3.BOOLEAN ALGEBRA

Boolean Algebra is used to analyze and simplify the digital (logic) circuits. It uses
only the binary numbers i.e. 0 and 1. It is also called as Binary Algebra or logical
Algebra. Boolean algebra was invented by George Boole in 1854.

Rule in Boolean Algebra

 Variable used can have only two values. Binary 1 for HIGH and Binary 0 for LOW.

 Complement of a variable is represented by an overbar (-). Thus, complement of

variable B is represented as . Thus if B = 0 then = 1 and B = 1 then = 0.

 ORing of the variables is represented by a plus (+) sign between them. For
example ORing of A, B, C is represented as A + B + C.

 Logical ANDing of the two or more variable is represented by writing a dot

between them such as A.B.C. Sometime the dot may be omitted like ABC.

BOOLEAN LAWS:

BOOLEAN FUNCTION

Boolean algebra deals with binary variables and logic operation. A Boolean
Function is described by an algebraic expression called Boolean expression which
consists of binary variables, the constants 0 and 1, and the logic operation symbols.
Consider the following example.