A hierarchical taxonomic system for computer architectures

A novel hierarchical architectural taxonomic system that appears to possess the desirable characteristics of a good taxonomic scheme is presented. The author focuses on the endoarchitecture, i.e. the logical structure, control and behavior of the integrated system of hardware components. The starting point for this system is D.B. Skillicorn's scheme (see ibid., vol.21, no.11, p.46-57, 1988). However, the system both extends and departs from Skillicorn's scheme, using formulas inspired by chemical notation to classify computer architectures in a way that provides both predictive power and explanatory capabilities.<
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