Course Contents

• Overview of Computer Fundamentals
  Development history of computer hardware and software, Review of computer fundamentals, simple machine code sequence to illustrate action, control transfer. Contemporary computers.
  
  

• Storage and Input/Output Systems
  

Computer function (fetch and execute cycles), interrupts, interconnection structures (Bus structure and bus types), Overview of memory system, memory chip organization and error correction, cache memory, memory storage devices. Overview of I/O, programmed and interrupt-driven I/Os, direct memory access (DMA), I/O channel and I/O processor.



• Operating System
  

Overview of operating system, dimension and type of operating system, high level scheduling, short-term scheduling, I/O scheduling, memory management, virtual memory, window base operating systems.



• Computer Arithmetic
  

Integer arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), floating-point representation (IEEE), floating-point arithmetic. Arithmetic and Logic unit (ALU).



• Instruction Set and Register
  

Machine instruction characteristics, types of operands and operations, instruction functions, addressing modes, instruction formats, register organization, instruction pipelining.



• Control Unit
  

Micro-operations, control of the CPU, hardwired implementation, control unit operation, micro-instruction sequencing and execution, micro-programmed control.



• High performance computer systems
  

Techniques to achieve high performance, pipelining, storage hierarchy, units with function dedicated for I/O. RISC, introduction to superscalar processor, parallel processor.

Learning Outcome of Subject

At the completion of the subject, students should be able to perform the following tasks:

• define computers and simple machine code sequence
• explain the working of input/output systems in a computer.
• define memory systems, DMA and interrupt-driven input/output systems.
• identify and explain different types of scheduling in an operating system.
• explain the memory management in a window based operating system.
• apply basic computer arithmetic.
• explain the working of an Arithmetic Logic Unit.
• define and explain addressing modes and register organization.
• define and explain micro operations and control unit operation.
• identify and differentiate between high performance computers with RISC, Superscalar and parallel processors.
• explain bus operations in a computer.
• apply simple memory interfacing.

Programme Outcomes (% of contribution)

• Ability to acquire and apply fundamental principles of science and engineering. - 40%
• Capability to communicate effectively. - 5%
• Acquisition of technical competence in specialized areas of engineering discipline. - 10%
• Ability to identify, formulate and model problems and find engineering solutions based on a system approach. - 10%
• Ability to conduct investigation and research on engineering problems in a chosen field of study. - 5%
• Understanding of the importance of sustainability and cost-effectiveness in design and development of engineering solutions. - 10%
• Understanding and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities. - 5%
• Ability to work effectively as an individual, and as a member/leader in a team.- 10%
• Capability and enthusiasm for self-improvement through continuous professional development and life-long learning. - 5%