It is probably difficult to find a text on computer architecture that will satisfy teachers of both computer engineering and computer science. Most of the several excellent texts on computer architecture now available lean more toward the hardware side, covering software in less detail. In order for a book to appeal to students of computer science, the text must not only contain relevant hardware details but must emphasize how those details relate to software implementation.

This book is geared more for computer engineering students. It covers a lot of material quickly, providing enough details for an undergraduate course. The contents stick to what I consider the standard computer architecture course.

Chapter 1 is introductory, presenting material on number systems (binary, hex, and so on) and the ASCII code. Chapter 2 covers Boolean algebra, canonical forms, Karnaugh maps, and prime implicants, and briefly describes integrated (IC) and CMOS circuits. This is more or less standard material. Chapter 3 shows how to design combinatorial circuits using truth tables and multiplexers. Adder and subtractor design is also described. Chapter 4 is a standard survey of sequential circuit design using flip-flops. Chapter 5 covers registers and different types of counters. Chapter 6 is interesting because it covers RAMs, ROMs, and PLAs in sufficient detail, including error correction. The next chapter develops a register transfer language (RTL) to describe block-oriented computer operations. Chapter 8 introduces algorithmic state machines and gives details about hard-wired and microprogrammed control units. Chapter 9 is a basic introduction to assembly language, including addressing modes. Chapter 10 compares CISC and RISC machines. The next chapter covers the input-output interface, including serial communication. The final chapter is devoted to the memory hierarchy, cache memory, and paging mechanisms.

The text is well written and well illustrated. There are many exercises. The logic simulation software is available separately on CD-ROM for classroom use. The book will definitely appeal to students of computer engineering. I am not sure whether it will appeal to computer science students, because there is not much discussion of such topics as compilers and operating systems, which these students would appreciate.