This course provides an introduction to computer organization and computer architecture. It builds on digital logic theory and devices (as studied in EE360) to develop more complex systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the basics of computer system organization, design, and operation. This includes the use of Register Transfer Language (RTL) to describe the movement of data in the computer and assembly language programming to control the system at a higher level. Additionally, students are introduced to modern engineering design tools through the use of VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language) as they design, simulate and program a simple processor. Other topics such as microprogram control, RISC architectures, arithmetic processing, input/output, and memory design are introduced. Finally, cadets study contemporary PC organization by examining the operation of a program at the register level.
