Harvard architecture is a type of computer design or implementation, named after the Harvard Mark I machine. The main difference between Harvard and von Neumann architecture lies in the organization of the computer system’s memory, specifically in regards to instruction and data. Harvard architecture has a separate program space (also known as code memory space) and data memory space, while von Neumann has a single space that is used for both instruction and data.
The Harvard architecture consists of both a processor and two separate data busses – one for instructions and the other for data. Instructions and data are stored in two physically separate memory units. The physical separation of the instruction memory and data memory makes the Harvard architecture distinct from other computer systems. It also allows for faster access to data without the need to share resources as in other architectures, such as the von Neumann architecture.
Unlike conventional von Neumann architectures, Harvard architectures have a “fetch-execute” cycle divided into two steps, instead of one. The processor receives the instruction from the instruction memory and then either executes the instruction or moves it to the data memory (or vice versa). This is advantageous when dealing with programs that have intensive tasks that require frequent manipulation of both data and instructions, as instructions can be fetched directly from the program memory.
The Harvard architecture is often used for applications that need to manipulate high-speed or quantitatively complex data. This is because the Harvard architecture allows for the rapid and simultaneous access of both the instruction and data memory without having to share resources. This is advantageous in cases where data needs to be manipulated quickly, such as real-time applications.
The Harvard architecture is also advantageous in instances where instructions must be read from memory with very little latency. This is because instructions and data can be stored in separate physical units and fetched from each one independently. This allows for faster access of instructions than conventional von Neumann architectures, where instructions and data must be fetched from the same memory.
In addition to its advantages, the Harvard architecture also has its drawbacks. For example, the cost of programming is higher due to the need to store both instructions and data in two different memories. In addition, the cost associated with developing and maintaining two memory systems can be expensive. Additionally, the Harvard architecture is not suitable for systems that require a large amount of data to be stored and quickly accessed.
Benefits of Harvard Architecture
The Harvard architecture offers several benefits over the conventional von Neumann one. Firstly, the architecture is optimized for tasks that involve intensive manipulation of both data and instructions, as instructions can be fetched directly from the program memory. Additionally, due to the separate memory spaces for instructions and data, the Harvard architecture offers faster access times to both instruction and data, which is advantageous when dealing with real-time applications. Furthermore, the architecture is also suitable for systems that require quick access to instructions with very little latency, as instructions and data can be fetched from separate memory units.
Limitations of Harvard Architecture
Despite its advantages, the Harvard architecture also has its limitations. Firstly, programming costs tend to be higher owing to the need to store both instructions and data in two separate memory units. Additionally, the Harvard architecture is expensive to develop and maintain as two memory systems must be kept up to date and running. Finally, it is not suitable for applications that require a large amount of data to be stored and quickly accessed.
Real Life Examples
The Harvard architecture is used in a broad range of fields, including embedded systems, military applications and robotics. In addition, the architecture is used in microcontrollers, such as the Intel 8051 and Atmel AVR series. Microcontrollers are devices that contain a processor, a program memory and a data memory, and are used to perform specific tasks in embedded systems. The architecture is also used in programming languages, such as assembly, C and C++, as these languages are optimized for the Harvard architecture.
Applications of Harvard Architecture
The Harvard architecture has a wide range of applications in the fields of embedded systems and programming languages. In embedded systems, the architecture has been applied in microcontrollers, such as the Intel 8051 and Atmel AVR series. Additionally, the architecture is also applied in programming languages that are optimized for the Harvard architecture, such as assembly, C and C++. Furthermore, the architecture is used in control systems and robotics. The architecture is advantageous in these fields as it allows for rapid and simultaneous access of both instruction and data memory without having to share resources.
Conclusion
The Harvard architecture is a type of computer design or implementation, named after the Harvard Mark I machine. The Harvard architecture is distinct from other computer systems due to its organization of memory, which consists of two separate instruction and data memory units. The architectures have been applied in various fields, such as embedded systems, military applications and robotics. The main advantages of the Harvard architecture include optimized for tasks that involve intensive manipulation of both data and instructions, faster access times and reduced latency when accessing instructions. However, the architecture also has its limitations, such as higher programming costs and increased cost associated with developing and maintaining two memory systems.
