Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales
CS15010 (1995-96 session)
Introduction to Computer Hardware
Brief Description
There is a very close relationship between system software
design, system hardware design and the performance of the system
as a whole. It is advantageous for computer scientists and
software engineers to have an empathy for this relationship and
therefore this module concentrates on the principles involved
rather than fine detail. The module begins with a study of simple
logic functions and how they can be combined to give increasing
complexity and functionality. From this the course builds to a
study of the operation of a typical system as a whole and the
interaction between the various components within such a system.
The laboratory work associated with the course is designed to
consolidate the lecture material and gives practical experience in
the use of various components and associated test equipment.
Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist
Further Details
- Number of lectures
- 24
- Number of seminars/tutorials
- 0
- Number of practicals
- 10 x 2 hours
- Coordinator
- Dr. John Hunt
- Other staff involved
- Mr. Graham Parker
- Pre-requisites
- None
- Co-requisites
-
CS11010
- Incompatibilities
- None
- Assessment
- Assessed coursework - 50%
Written exam - 50%
- Timing
- This module is offered only in Semester 1
Aims
To provide an appreciation of what computer hardware is, what
it does, how it does it and how it influences the execution and
performance of software.
-
Introduction to logic and its hardware
implementations.
-
An appreciation of logic families.
-
Familiarisation with small embedded systems.
-
Familiarisation with interfacing such systems with the
real world.
-
An appreciation of technological advances in the hardware
domain.
Objectives
On successful completion of this module, students will have a
broad functional understanding of computer hardware. In addition,
students will have detailed knowledge of:
-
the function and application of combinational and
sequential logic;
-
the appropriate use of differing I.C. outputs;
-
fundamental system components, their interactions and
their dependencies;
-
various memory implementations together with their
suitability for given applications;
-
the function and use of various peripheral interface
devices;
-
microprocessor evolution, together with an appreciation of
how the area may develop in the future.
Syllabus
-
Number Systems and Logic - 1 Lecture
-
Decimal; Binary; Octal; Hexadecimal; Boolean Logic.
-
Combinational Logic - 2 Lectures, 2 Practicals
-
Logic functions; Truth tables; Minterms; Boolean
relationships; De Morgan's Theorem; Half Adders; Full Adders;
Parallel Adders.
-
Sequential Logic - 2 Lectures, 2 Practicals
-
RS Latch; Clocked devices; D-Type Latch; JK
Flip-Flop; Storage registers; Counters; Shift registers; Logic
representations.
-
Integrated Circuits -
Chips - 2 Lectures
-
Packaging; Logic levels; Logic families; Totem Pole
outputs; Open Collector outputs; Tri-State outputs; Comparators.
-
Basic Computer Architecture - 6 Lectures, 6 Practicals
-
System components: Processor, RAM, ROM, Input/Output;
Buses; Memory addressing; Memory maps; Line Decoders; I/O
Mapping; Execution cycles; Bus timing; The Synchronous Bus; The
Asynchronous Bus.
-
Interrupts - 1 Lecture
-
Application; Service routines; Priorities; Vectors;
Power-On Reset.
-
Memory Types - 3 Lectures
-
Static RAM; Dynamic RAM; DRAM Controllers; Masked
ROM; EPROM; EEPROM; Data Widths; PROM Decoding.
-
Peripheral Devices and Interfacing - 4 Lectures
-
Handshaking; Parallel Interfaces; Serial Interfaces;
Timers; Watch Dog Timers; Direct Memory Access; Backplane
Buses.
-
Micro-Processor Evolution - 3 Lectures
-
Micro-Processor Families; Motorola 68000 series;
Intel 80X86 series; CISC and RISC; The Transputer; Single-Chip
Processors; Parallelism; Branch Prediction; Pipelining; The
Pentium; The PowerPC; The future?
Booklist
It is considered essential to purchase the following
-
Alan Clements.
Principles of Computer Hardware.
Oxford, 1991.
-
Ian Sayers et. al.
Principles of Microprocessors.
CRC Press, 1991.
- Notes
- Only one of these books will be required by each
student.
The following should be consulted for different approaches or for further information
-
John Fulcher.
Introduction to Microcomputer Systems: Architecture and
Interfacing.
Addison-Wesley, 1991.
-
Alan Clements.
Microprocessor Systems Design.
PWS-Kent, 1992.
-
A.J. van de Goor.
Computer Architecture and Design.
Addison-Wesley, 1989.
-
M. Rafiquzzaman et. al.
Modern Computer Architecture.
West, 1989.
-
V.C. Hamacher et, al.
Computer Organisation.
McGraw-Hill, 1989.
Version 2.7
Syllabus
John Hunt Departmental Advisor
jjh@aber.ac.uk
Dept of Computer Science, UW Aberystwyth (disclaimer)