VonNeumannArchitekturen

The von Neumann architecture, also known as the Princeton architecture, is a computer architecture model that describes the design of most modern computers. It was proposed by the mathematician and physicist John von Neumann in the mid-1940s. The core concept of the von Neumann architecture is the stored-program concept, which allows a computer's program instructions and data to be stored in the same memory.

Prior to the von Neumann architecture, computers were typically programmed by physically rewiring them or by using plugboards. The stored-program concept revolutionized computing by making computers much more flexible and easier to reprogram. The architecture consists of several key components: a central processing unit (CPU), a memory unit, input/output devices, and a bus system. The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for performing calculations and a control unit for managing instruction execution. The memory unit stores both instructions and data. The bus system, usually a set of wires, facilitates communication between these components.

A significant characteristic of the von Neumann architecture is the sequential fetching and execution of instructions. The CPU fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it, and then executes it. This process repeats, leading to a potential bottleneck known as the von Neumann bottleneck, where the speed of the computer is limited by the rate at which instructions and data can be transferred between the CPU and memory. Despite this limitation, the von Neumann architecture remains the foundational model for most digital computers due to its simplicity and versatility.