Course code InfT4031

Credit points 3

Computer Architecture

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation25.10.2022

Responsible UnitInstitute of Computer Systems and Data Science

Course developer

author prof.

Vitālijs Osadčuks

Dr. sc. ing.

Prior knowledge

DatZ1004, Introduction in Computer Studies

DatZ1009, Introduction to Programming I

DatZ1010, Introduction to Programming II

DatZ2055, Computer Hardware I

DatZ2056, Computer Hardware II

Fizi1003, Basic Physics

Mate2010, Discrete Mathematics

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to introduce students to multilevel computer organization and architecture using a bottom-up approach, dividing the main course topics according to the levels of modern computer organization. In the context of multi-level computer organization, the structure, functionality, and development trends of various processors and memories are examined, with an emphasis on the levels of electronics, digital logic, microarchitecture, and instruction set.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge of modern computer operation in the context of multi-level computer architecture and organization, the basics of computer operation at the level of electronics and digital logic - test 1, homework 1, 2;
Able to apply the general principles of computer architecture and organization to different types of computers, regardless of their application and performance. 2nd test, 3rd homework;
Acquired skills in compiling low-level programs and using the features of computer hardware to increase the efficiency of the software, test 3.

Course Content(Calendar)

1 Design of logic circuits using Boolean algebra laws and Karnaugh map (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
2 Unsigned and signed integers – definition and arithmetic, floating point numbers (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
3 Creation of combination logic circuits in the logic circuit simulator (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
4 Creating a series of logic circuits (coders, decoders, adders, shifters, multiplexers) in a logic circuit simulator (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
5 Test 1 (1 hour).
6 Operation of arithmetic logic unit in a logic circuit simulator (2 lectures, 1 practical lesson).
7 Micro-architecture level (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
8 Test 2 (1 hour).
9 MIC-1 virtual machine. Interpreting the machine code in the processor microstore (2 lectures, 1 practical lesson).
10 Java MIC-2 virtual machine analysis in a logic circuit simulator (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
11 Java virtual machine byte-code program (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
12 Introduction to MASM32 assembler, assembly language program structure, assembly process (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
13 Simple assembly language program, debugging the assembly program (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
14 Conditional, unconditional branching, cycles (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
15 Data input and output, working with symbol strings, calling functions. Using assembly programms in managed code (1 lecture, 1 practical lesson).
16 Test 3 (2 hours).

Requirements for awarding credit points

1. Completion of homeworks.
2. Sucessfull completion of 3 tests
• Test: “Computer structured multilevel organization, levels of electronics and digital logic”.
• Test: “Microarchitecture and instruction set levels”.
• Test: "MASM32 programming".
The exam can be taken if:
• all homeworks have been successfully completed, all tests have been successfully passed;
• the total number of missed lectures does not exceed 20% of the total number;
• the exam is taken orally.
If the total number of missed lectures exceeds the limit of 20% of the total number, a summary of the missed lectures must be presented in hand-written form.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

3 homeworks:
• Logic circuit modeling and simulation in LogiSim environment
• Synthesis of arithmetic logic unit
• IJVM MIC-1 assembly programming

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The evaluation of the study course is possible in a cumulative form - the average mark from 3 homeworks and 3 tests, if it is at least 7 after rounding to an integer. The maximum possible mark for homework and tests is 9. If the mark is less than 7 or if the student wants a higher mark, an exam must be taken. The exam is oral, a total of 4 questions on tickets.

Compulsory reading

1.Tanenbaum A. S. Structured Computer Organization. 6th-edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited, 2013. 800 p.

Further reading

1. Baums A. Datoru arhitektūra un organizācija. Rīga: [autorizdevums] Veiters korporācija, 2010. 236 lpp.
2. Greivulis J., Raņķis I. Iekārtu vadības elektroniskie elementi un mezgli. Rīga: Avots, 1998. 288 lpp.
3. Journal “Microprocessors and Microsystems”. ISSN-0141-9331. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts: 15.10.2022.]. Pieejams: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/microprocessors-and-microsystems

Periodicals and other sources

Journal “Microprocessors and Microsystems”. ISSN-0141-9331. [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01419331/35

Notes

Compulsory course of ITF academic bachelor study program “Computer Management and Computer Science”.