Computer Architecture
While software is limited by the hardware resources of the machine, it is also true that the hardware of a computer can only be used to its full capacity if the software designer knows how to take advantage of it.
The Computer Architecture course unit makes the bridge between hardware and software, focusing on the importance of a good articulation between these two concepts.
The basic concepts related to the internal organization of the computer are presented, focusing on the central processing unit and its programming. The course also provides the fundamental knowledge to understand the implementation of the computer at the digital logic level.
1. Digital representation of information
2. Bases of computer systems
3. Assembly programming
Relation between high level languages and machine code
To understand the basic techniques of representation and codification of information in digital formats;
To describe the fundamental concepts of computational systems;
To build digital circuits of medium complexity;
To describe the basic blocks and functional units of a computer;
To develop simple Assembly programs;
To map high level language instructions into the corresponding assembly code.
Block I - Introduction
BI – C1. Digital representation of the information
BI – C2. Logic functions
Block II – Basic Digital Components
BII – C3. Combinatorial blocks of medium complexity
BII – C4. Arithmetic Circuits
BII – C5. Basic sequential circuits
BII – C6. Analysis and project of sequential circuits
Block III – Basic computer organisation
BIII – C7. Architecture of a computer
BIII – C8. Assembly instruction set of P3 (Pequeno Processador Pedagógico or Small Pedagogical Processor)
BIII – C9. Assembly Programming with P3
Title: Arquitetura de Computadores: dos Sistemas Digitais aos Microprocessadores
By: Guilherme Arroz, José Monteiro e Arlindo Oliveira
Publisher: IST Press
Editions: 1ª Edição 2007, 2ª Edição 2009, 3ª Edição 2014, 4ª Edição 2019, 5ª Edição 2020
Pages: 799
ISBN: 978-972-8469-54-2
E-learning.
Continuous assessment is privileged: 2 digital written documents (e-folios) during the semester (40%) and a final digital test, Global e-folio (e-folio G) at the end of the semester (60%). In due time, students can alternatively choose to perform one final exam (100%).