Computer Architecture for the Simple Mind

[ZombieFeynman]

All,

Forgive me if this is not the right area of the forum, but it seems like it might reach the broadest audience here.

I am looking for an introduction to computer hardware (and perhaps more generally, modern electronics) for a scientist. I am looking for something beyond what one might find in a popular treatment, as I have read several and have always been left feeling unsatisfied. I am also not sure that a technical text for engineers is right either. I certainly don't have the time to devote to learning this full time, as this is only a recreational interest.

My background is in theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly strongly correlated electronic systems, topological insulators, and spin-orbit coupling in ultra cold atoms. I have very little lab experience (I picked up a summer as an undergraduate in an experimental group) and I have no formal training in electronics or instrumentation. I do have formal training in scientific programming, but this yields little to no insight into the inner workings of a machine. I am looking for a text that will satisfy my curiosity for delving deeper into the workings of modern electronics and computers, but likely don't have the time, inclination, or training to follow a rigorous text for practicing experts. If not a book, I suppose I could settle for lecture notes, websites, or other accounts if anyone is aware of some at the level I am looking for.

TL;DR: I am looking for a source on electronics and/or computer architecture for a simple minded theorist at the "goldilocks" level between popular science and formal text.

 

[jedishrfu]

Try this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0789736136/?tag=pfamazon01-20

and for electronics try this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071771336/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It a bit thick but seems to be a good introduction.

 

[DennisN]

I am looking for a source on electronics and/or computer architecture for a simple minded theorist at the "goldilocks" level between popular science and formal text.

I'm not sure where the "goldilocks" level is , but I mention these sites/pdfs so you know they exist:

All About Circuits
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/

Lessons In Electric Circuits
A free series of textbooks on the subjects of electricity and electronics
(Tony R. Kuphaldt)
(online and pdf:s available)
http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/

Computer Organization and Design Fundamentals
by David Tarnoff
http://faculty.etsu.edu/tarnoff/138292/
(downloadable pdf:s)

I haven't used them myself though, since I've already got textbooks on electronics and computer technology (in Swedish).