The collection of paths connecting the various modules is called the interconnecting structure.
- All the units must be connected
- Different type of connection for different type of unit
- Memory
- Input/Output
- CPU
- Memory Connection
- Receives and sends data
- Receives addresses (of locations)
- Receives control signals
- Read
- Write
- Timing
Fig: Memory Module
- I/O Connection
- Similar to memory from computer’s viewpoint
- Output
- Receive data from computer
- Send data to peripheral
- Input
- Receive data from peripheral
- Send data to computer
- Receive control signals from computer
- Send control signals to peripherals
- eg. spin disk
- Receive addresses from computer
- eg. port number to identify peripheral
- Send interrupt signals (control)
Fig: I/O Module
- CPU Connection
- Reads instruction and data
- Writes out data (after processing)
- Sends control signals to other units
- Receives (& acts on) interrupts
Fig: CPU Module