What is a system bus?
A system bus is a facet of computer architecture that transmits and shares data throughout the computer and between devices. It's the primary way for a computer to process information because it connects the main processor to all other internal hardware components of a computer. Essentially, a system bus is a pathway made up of electronic cables that carry the data back and forth from the computer's central processing unit (CPU) to other areas of the computer.
The specific design of a system bus changes based on the style, size and needs of each specific computer system. You can customize a computer's system bus or allow the system to operate using the standardized design. The size and design for the system bus itself dictate the speed of data transfers and how much data the bus can transfer at one given time.
How does a system bus work?
A system bus works by sharing data and other information between various aspects of the computer's hardware. For example, if you plug a universal serial bus (USB) device or connector into your computer, the system bus recognizes that data and takes it to the computer's central processing unit. Once there, you might download files from the USB onto your computer's memory, which means the system bus moves it from the CPU to your computer's hard drive for storage.
A system bus usually operates based on the size and complexity of the computer. However, the basic functions of a system bus include:
Internal function: Also known as a memory bus, an internal system bus connects the hardware that's inside the computer to local devices within the computer's system.
External function: Also known as an expansion bus, an external system bus uses electronic pathways that connect primarily to external devices outside the computer's system. For example, connecting your computer to a wireless printer or mouse makes use of an external system bus.
Data sharing: The main function of a system bus is to transfer data from one place to another using a parallel structure, and the amount of data shared at one time depends on the size of the system bus. For example, the computer systems of a large corporation might have higher data sharing capabilities than that of a home computer.
Addressing: This function allows users to transfer information about certain data between locations in the computer's main memory. It alerts the system was to take certain pieces of data.
Power: This function supplies power to each of the various devices connected to the main computer system. It helps the computer's system bus operate at an appropriate speed.
What are the types of a system buses?
There are three types of busses, each operating separately with its purpose and function, that make up a system bus. Each type of bus follows a unique set of instructions that contribute to the accurate transfer of data. These three types include:
Data bus: The data bus carries the actual data between the computer's main processor, the memory and all other internal hardware components. It operates between computer parts or devices to increase the flow of data by transferring data in or out of the CPU or from one device to another.
Address bus: The address bus tells the system where data comes from or goes. Typically, this bus takes data from the central processor and stores it in a specific location in the computer's memory, or vice versa.
Control bus: The control bus determines how the system bus operates by managing the control, timing and coordination of the busses to ensure the data transfers without corruption. This bus is important for accuracy and security, as it safeguards data during the transfer.
How do you use a system bus?
You use a system bus by operating standard ones that come equipped in a computer or installing and customizing your own, which can be a simple process as a computer programmer. Typically, a centralized bus passes the commands down the line until it reaches the correct bus. While the complexity of the system changes based on the size of the computer, the minimum system includes one of each type of bus. If you have control over the design of the system bus as an engineer, you might decide to implement unique uses for the system based on your needs.
Two different approaches to implement a system bus include:
Synchronous: A synchronous system bus runs at a high speed because it operates alongside the computer's clock. This method has a fixed protocol for communication and data sharing connected with time.
Asynchronous: An asynchronous system bus operates independently from a clock with the option of connecting to different devices or several of them. This is essentially a manual way to operate the bus.
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