Harvard architecture has separate data and instruction busses, allowing transfers to be performed simultaneously on both busses.
A von Neumann architecture has only one bus which is used for both data transfers and instruction fetches.
therefore data transfers and instruction fetches must be scheduled – they can not be performed at the same time. but It is possible to have two separate memory systems for a Harvard architecture.
Following are the difference between harvard architecture and von-neumann architecture
Harward Architecture | Von Neumann Architecture |
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The name is originated from “Harvard Mark I” a relay based old computer. | It is named after the mathematician and early computer scientist John Von Neumann. |
It required two memories for their instruction and data. | It required only one memory for their instruction and data. |
Design of Harvard architecture is complicated. | Design of the von Neumann architecture is simple. |
Harvard architecture is required separate bus for instruction and data. | Von Neumann architecture is required only one bus for instruction and data. |
Processor can complete an instruction in one cycle | Processor needs two clock cycles to complete an instruction. |
Easier to pipeline, so high performance can be achieve. | Low performance as compared to Harvard architecture. |
Comparatively high cost. | It is cheaper. |