Principles of Computer Systems

Course aim

To familiarise students with the structure and functions of digital systems and their components. To apply this knowledge to the design and construction of SSI and MSI digital systems for both combinatorial and sequential circuits. To apply knowledge of basic digital systems to understand the architecture, operation and interfacing of microcontrollers and microprocessor based systems. It also aims to teach students fundamental microcontroller programming and interfacing with sensors and actuators.

Course content

Review of computer architecture and major components.
Combinatorial logic design: Algorithmic minimisation using Karnaugh map (2,3,4 variables);
Encoders, decoders (BCD to Decimal), multiplexers, demultiplexers, comparator; parallel binary addition and addition/subtraction using full-adder as a building block;
Arithmetic Logic Units (ALU) introduction to Hardware Description Language (VHDL) – behavioural style, modelling of combinational logic circuits.
Sequential logic design: Review of J-K and D flip-flops, Level sensitive and edge-sensitive flip-flops; clock skew, shift registers, asynchronous (ripple) and synchronous counters – simple state diagrams; Behavioural modelling of Sequential logic circuits.
Microcontroller architecture; Programmer’s model of 8 bit microprocessor; memory maps; Assembly language programming; Memory (Static RAM, Dynamic RAM, EEPROM); Interfacing with the real world.

Textbook(s)

Mazidi, Muhammad Ali, Naimi, Sarmad and Naimi, Sepehr 2010, AVR Microcontroller and Embedded Systems: Using Assembly and C, , 2010, Pearson Higher Ed, ISBN 9780138003319 or ISBN10 0138003319

Tocci, Ronald J, Widmer, Neal and Moss, Greg 2010, Digital Systems: Principles and Applications, 11th, Pearson Higher Ed , ISBN 9780130387936 or ISBN10 0130387932

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, Mid semester test, Practicals (Projects)

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
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* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.