11 | Page A Recent Study in Computer Systems Architecture for iPhone7 Mobile Computer Aqil Sulaiman Bin Azman 1 , Ahmed Amsal Mohamed 2 , Yong Mun Wei 3 ICT Diploma Students, Asia Pacific University, Malaysia ABSTRACT Based on this research, it focuses towards the fundamentals of Computer System Architecture on mobile computers. Prone to the subject, it takes a huge co-operation in order to achieve the main objective of this research as well as the goals. The main objective is to understand the fundamental concepts of and principles of computer architecture which regarded to John von Neumann model. In addition, the choice ofmobile computer which have been agreed is to study about the architecture of iPhone 7 which were developed by the Apple Incorporation. From the selection of the device, our goals are to understand the superiority of it’s’ software, security mechanism, and market competitiveness of the model compared to their more advanced version. Apart from that, this research also includes the proving of community belief towards the device in which it is said to betechnologically advanced from its’ brand, great memory management, and quality which worth to high price tagging. Keywords: Computer Architecture, iPhone7, John Von Neumann Model, Memory Management 1. INTRODUCTION Mobile computers have been playing a large role in today‟s society. Recent advances in technology and infrastructure has put mobile computing at the centre of every industry and day-to-day lives of millions of people. The success of mobile computers has not been just hardware, but also the advances in software running on the hardware. Mobile computers come in different sizes and from various vendors. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are among the most popular mobile computers. Some of the most popular smartphones include the Apple iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy which runs on iOS and Android respectively [1] have shown in “Fig.1”. Although there have been drastic changes to the technology in both hardware and software, the fundamental concepts in the underlying architecture such as in the context of von Neumann model has not been changed [2]. Figure 1: Some mobile computer devices [3]
Transcript
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A Recent Study in Computer Systems Architecture for
iPhone7 Mobile Computer
Aqil Sulaiman Bin Azman1, Ahmed Amsal Mohamed
2, Yong Mun Wei
3
ICT Diploma Students, Asia Pacific University, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Based on this research, it focuses towards the fundamentals of Computer System Architecture on mobile
computers. Prone to the subject, it takes a huge co-operation in order to achieve the main objective of this
research as well as the goals. The main objective is to understand the fundamental concepts of and principles of
computer architecture which regarded to John von Neumann model. In addition, the choice ofmobile computer
which have been agreed is to study about the architecture of iPhone 7 which were developed by the Apple
Incorporation. From the selection of the device, our goals are to understand the superiority of it’s’ software,
security mechanism, and market competitiveness of the model compared to their more advanced version. Apart
from that, this research also includes the proving of community belief towards the device in which it is said to
betechnologically advanced from its’ brand, great memory management, and quality which worth to high price
tagging.
Keywords: Computer Architecture, iPhone7, John Von Neumann Model, Memory Management
1. INTRODUCTION
Mobile computers have been playing a large role in today‟s society. Recent advances in technology and
infrastructure has put mobile computing at the centre of every industry and day-to-day lives of millions of
people. The success of mobile computers has not been just hardware, but also the advances in software running
on the hardware. Mobile computers come in different sizes and from various vendors. Smartphones, tablets and
laptops are among the most popular mobile computers. Some of the most popular smartphones include the
Apple iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy which runs on iOS and Android respectively [1] have shown in “Fig.1”.
Although there have been drastic changes to the technology in both hardware and software, the fundamental
concepts in the underlying architecture such as in the context of von Neumann model has not been changed [2].
Figure 1: Some mobile computer devices [3]
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Invented by Hungarian computer scientist, J John von Neumann, the von Neumann architecture is a set of
computer architecture design concepts which consists of a Control Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU),
Memory Unit, Registers and Input/Outputs mechanisms. This architecture for stored-program keeps the
instructions and data of the program in the read-write memory. The stored-program design allows for self-
modifying code and is enables to write “programs that write programs” possible. The von Neumann model has a
few design limitations. Von Neumann bottleneck is one such limitations due to the shared bus between
programmemory and data memory as a single bus can only access one memory class at each time. Mitigations
have been introduced to reduce the bottleneck such as providing a cache between the Central Processing Unit
(CPU) and the primary memory. Evenwith limitations, according to [4], this basic chip design has dominated all
computing including mobile computing for almost 70 years and is here to stay for now as the alternatives are
still at a very early stage in development.
1.1 EVOLUTION OF CELLULAR STANDARDS
Figure.2 Evolution of Cellular Communication Standards [5]
Collaboration between AT&T and Bell Labs over the years have developed wireless technology and enabled to
put wireless communication in mobile computers [6]. Although mobile computing does not require wireless
communication, it is still largely responsible for the success of mobile computing. The graphic in “Fig.2” above
shown different types of cellular communication technologies used in some of the earliest mobile computers to
present. Cellular, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC) are some of the wireless communication
technologies in today‟s mobile computers which are used to communicate with other devices. Wireless
communication in mobile computing has also enabled give computers seamless mobility. A wide range of
different technologies can be seen in today‟s mobile computers. Mobile computers 10-15 years ago used
physical keyboards while today‟s mobile computers offer a virtual keyboard using a multi-touch screen display.
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Mobile computing has become so ubiquitous that people have all of their information and some small-
businesses are run on these devices. Therefore, it is important for mobile computing to be secure and protect the
users. Recent additions include biometric authentication using fingerprint, face recognition and retina scanning.
Other than hardware security, software based security must be provided. For example, an application running on
the device should not be able to access the memory of another application. Such attack vectors must be handled
by both operating system software and processors.Mobile computing is already contributing a significant
percentage to computing usage all overthe world. Network traffic is forecasted to increase steeply as shown in
“Fig.3” meaning mobile computer devices will also increase in great numbers. Mobile computing usage will
only go higher as mobile computers explore their way into developing and underdeveloped markets.
Figure.3 Chart showing internet usage forecast by mobile computer devices [7]
2. TECHNOLOGIES BEHIND THE SUCCESS
Mobile Computing is defined as an electronic device which able to transmit data, voice, and video via any
wireless aid which not required any fixed physical linked compartments [8]. In par of mobile computing
generations, the base of its technology is commonly linked to Mobile Communication, Mobile Hardware, and
Mobile Software. Mobile communication is briefly described as the devices which were built with protocols,
services, bandwidth, and portals. Since it is also a radio wave-oriented engineering, these devices capable of
receiving and transmit similar kind of signals. A mobile hardware which includes the components and also able
to receive and transmit data by the advantage of its mobility. The devices which are portable laptops,
smartphones, tablet PCs, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). In the other hand, is the internal aspect of a
mobile device which also can be defined by its‟ program. From the program, it basically runs the characteristics
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and requirements of mobile software applications. For instance, a memory management and distribution are
handled by the registries.
2.1 ULTRA MOBILE PC’S
Ultra-Mobile PCs is a lightweight device due to its‟ name and also definable by their portable size, light mass,
and appropriate battery life support. Ultra-Mobile PCs is an evolution from the fixed and heavy mass of
computer case which consists large components yet a broader feature by the term of its PCI (Peripheral
Component Interconnect), custom made AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), application software, and etc. Since
the revolution of mobile computing, the use of Ultra-Mobile PCs commonly used for secondary or travelling
purposes. In part of that, models like Samsung Q1 and the “eo” series from TabletKiosk offers the use of
entertainment and working environment. From the 2 models are mainly best suited for note taking and editing
due to its built-in documentation suite software application. The software application is designed with the
features of voice recognition, handwriting recognition, a virtual keyboard or an external keyboard.
2.2 THE iPHONE FACTOR
During the mass factor of language learning around the world via electronically, the situation has brought an
attention into the Apple Incorporation to develop a third-party software which referred as AJAX-based web
application. Based on the program, it is highly dependable to internet connection due to its engineering feature
of server-side scripting. An implication which occurs from the application which causes the users to be unhappy
and also by the view of its construction shows that the software is unable to interact with any other platforms. In
addition, the highly restricted software is also a requisite of a specific Apple‟s hardware specifications. Apart
from that, this had caused a problem to Apple users such as memory problem which lead to program crashes.
Solutions which has been made is by the SDK (Software Development Kit) “Push Notifications” and integration
program module to uncover these problems.
2.3 ANDROID
The android platforms in the early stage, are mostly being comprehend and overtook by Google Incorporation
with a coalition with other companies under Open Handset Alliance. In the early development, all Google
mobile phones are embedded in Linux Operating System. In the other hand, most android mobile industry which
including HTC and Motorola are also working on the advancement of the technology. Due to the emerge of
Google in developing it, a lot of investment is made and the Google itself invested up to 10 mil USD with the
co-operation of Android Development Challenge.
3. BENEFITS OF MOBILE COMPUTER
Mobile Computing had been around year of 1980‟s. Mobile Computers have taken over the wireless industry.
Nowadays, professional as well as personal life is all about the increased mobility and flexibility. Besides, a
mobile computer is a computing device that is physically not constrained in a location to a desktop or datacenter
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and allows users to access data and information from wherever they are. Moreover, they have enough power to
do a lot of things which users can do with the computer or laptop. Furthermore, many of the mobile computers
have barcode scanning functionality to for users to instantly capture the barcode to view or edit information as
required. Mobile computing has changed the complete landscape of the workplace and human being life and
brought many advantages such as Location Flexibility, Eliminates paperwork, Time Savvy, Entertainment and
so on.
For location flexibility, these portable devices are useful in the workplace as many employees do their tasks
regardless of their location. For example, some companies allow employees to work outside the workplace
giving employees the flexibility they need as long as they are connected to the network so they can work
everywhere.
For paperwork elimination, mobile computer effectively eliminated the paperwork as they collect, store and
transfer data electronically. These effectively increases a worker‟s ability to collect, access and evaluate critical
business information quickly and accurate.
For time savvy, because of the location flexibility the wasted time while travelling from different locations had
been decreased and it also reduced unnecessary incurred expenses. For example, employees are able to access
all the important documents or files over a secured channel or portal and work as if they were on their computer.
For entertainment, nowadays with the advent and advanced of mobile communicationtechnology and now many
options are available on mobile communication and computing devices such as games, movies, music, videos,
even audio recording can now be steamed on-the- go using mobile computing.
4. IMPORTANCE OF OPERATING SYSTEMS IN MOBILE COMPUTER
Operating system is the chief program that manages all of the hardware and software. Besides, it has control of
every process file section of memory and device. It is very important because it works as a middleman to ensure
both hardware and software interact correctly. As an example, there are four essential managers of every
operating system and they all work together as a team to get any jobs completed. The operating system works as
their boss and to make
sure they are all working in harmony. Based on the definition stated, it is clearly shown that an Operating
System is vital for mobile computing. The importance for it which are, to overcome the idling time for memory
processing. In every computer, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain and its functionality are by
coordinating every action which includes memory management, information transfer, registry, and etc. In
addition, one of the main benefits of
Operating System is to prevent the computer program from idling in process. In the early age of CPU‟s
development, it able to process data in microseconds. In the use of hard disks, it is considerably slow that may
cause idle within a system. By operating systems, it the idling program is countered by sequencing tasking also
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known as multiprogramming. On the other hand, operating system also provides the utility of user interfacing.
Operating system in User Interface (UI) allows the user to interact the computer functions by text-based form to
carry out any operations. In part of the functionality, the UI is initially providing users to interact virtually via
any computer devices. A well-designed user interface of an operating system is imperative for a good user
experience (UX). The user interface of operating system must also be accessible for individuals with variety of
disabilities. For example, option to enable higher contrast mode for users with bad eye conditions. Moreover,
the Operating System is responsible for managing the peripherals connected to the computer. In some cases,
these peripherals are built-into the device and cannot be removed physically but disabled through the operating
system. The operating system uses standardized formats to present data interpreted data from input/output
devices [9]. For example, operating system displays the files in a file explorer that are stored in a USB device
connected to the computer. Depending on the file types of the data in the USB device, operating system allows
user to view/manage using applications. In addition to this, the operating system is exposes options and settings
to enable and disable hardware components in the computer.Most mobile computers run on battery and battery
performance is very important for mobile computing. By default, unused and less frequently used components
are disabled and enabledonly when in use. Bluetooth functionality in mobile computers are usually disabled by
default.When the user requires Bluetooth functionality, using the interface provided by operatingsystem, a user
is able to toggle the Bluetooth component. Once, the Bluetooth component inenabled, it is able to communicate
with nearby bluetooth supported devices.
Finally, the operating system and its feature and utility API are what determines the developer friendliness of
the operating system. An operating system with stable API is more likely to attract developers who builds games
and applications for the platform. For example, in the case of a photo application like Instagram, the app
requires camera access API from the operating system. If the application is able to access camera functionality
with the operating system‟s camera API provided, the developer is able to focus on other parts of the application
instead of building their own set of API to access the camera features from different camera manufacturers.
Operating system provided APIs also ensure they are backward compatible and work on multiple versions of the
operating system. Therefore, for a healthy ecosystem of applications for the mobile computer, the operating
system is very important.
5. CPU SPECIFICATION AND BLOCK DIAGRAM OF ARCHITECTURE
The iPhone 7 uses a CPU chip called A10 Fusion which is designed by Apple. This chip is also used in the
iPhone 7 Plus. The few details is shown in below table.1.
Series Apple A-Series
Processor Technology 16nm
Clock Rate 2340 MHz Clock Rate 2340 MHz
Number of Cores / Threads 4 / 2
Transistor Count 3300 Million
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Features ARMv8 Instruction Set
GPU 6, Apple A10 Fusion GPU / PowerVR
64-Bit 64-Bit Supported
Table 1. CPU Specification [10]
Figure.4 Block diagram of the A10 Fusion chip [11]
There are many components connected to the CPU. Some of the main components are the biometric component,
taptic engine, touch screen controller and storage controller as seen in the above “Fig.4”The biometric
component uses an analog to digital interface to communicate with the processor. The “Touch ID” used in
iPhone 7 uses this component to unlock the device. Using a PCI Express, the CPU is linked to the flash storage
of the device. The CPU uses the flashstorage to store raw and processed data. In addition to this, the Taptic
engine which is a haptic user interface feedback component. It is used when for example, a user enters incorrect
passcode to authenticate iPhone, a small haptic (or vibrating) feedback is sent. Finally, the touch screen
controller uses the input from the screen to interpret and send instructions to the CPU.
5.1 iPHONE 7 PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURE
iPhone 7 is designed with A10 Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture as its own CPU. Based on the CPUs
Oscillator Electrical Characteristics, it has two input clocks which are 32.768kHz for low frequency operation
and 24.000MHz as a main source to generate A10 device.
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5.2 MEMORY MANAGEMENT
There are different types of memory technologies used in electronic devices. Besides, Memory is the best
storage part to the computer users to save information, programs and more. Furthermore, computer memory
offers several kinds of storage media some of them can store data temporarily and some them can store
permanently. Moreover, Memory consists of instructions and the data saved into computer through Central
Processing Unit (CPU) and the types of memory have shown in the following “Fig.5”.
Figure.5 The classification of memory
5.3 INSTRUCTION SET AND REGISTERS
Instruction Set and Registers is defined as a set of algorithm sequence which directs a process for a CPU to
carry out a task in orderly method. Alternatively, it is also known as a machine language whereby it able to
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