This course provides an introduction to computer organization and computer architecture. It builds on digital logic theory and devices (as studied in EE365) 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) on UNIX workstations to design and simulate computer systems. Other topics such as microprogram control, RISC architectures, arithmetic processing, input/output, and memory design are introduced. These topics and VHDL provide the foundation for further study in computer systems in EE484, Advanced Computer Architecture Using VHDL. Finally, SPARC Assembly Language is introduced to demonstrate low level control of a real processor.
Lessons
36 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
4 @ 120 min
Special requirements
Term design project using VHDL and FPGA's. Compensatory time given.
