Introduction to Computer Architecture and Organization

An introduction to the nature of computer architecture and organization. Presents interesting problems with elegant solutions, with emphasis on the abstract elements of the problems common to all computer design. Addresses the several schools of thought on what constitutes a ``good'' computer architecture, focusing on the current RISC versus non-RISC approaches. Also discusses the downward drift of design sophistication to smaller machines, such as pipelines, caches, and overlapped I/O. Includes many examples of specific machines and the design philosophy behind them.