Learning objectives
The course starts from the basics of information representation, passes through logic networks, to provide the basic architectural aspects of modern computers.
The course is structured into frontal lessons and a set of directed exercitations on logic networks and IA-32 assembly programming.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
Part I – Introduction to computing systems
Part II – Logic level
Part III – Functional level
Part IV – IA-32 Architecture and assembly language
Part V – Software level
Part VI – Micro-architetture level
Full programme
Part I – Introduction to computing systems
Computing systems
Historic and technological evolution
Architecture and organization of modern computers
System levels and models
Binary, hexadecimal and octal numeric systems
Binary representation of real numbers
Alphanumeric information and its representation
Representation of sounds, images and videos
Part II – Logic level
Algebra of networks
Elementary circuits
Canonical forms and transformations
Logic networks minimization
Combinatorial networks
Sequential networks
Part III – Functional level
Relationship between the functional level and micro-architectures
Organization of a modern computer
Instructions set
The CPU
Memory systems
The I/O subsystem
Part IV – IA-32 Architecture and assembly language
IA-32 architecture
The CPU IA-32: memory management, registers, flags
IA-32 instructions set
Modern extensions to the instructions set: MMX, 3DNow!, SSE, SSE2
Assembly programming and interface with the C level
Part V – Software level
Basic introduction to operating systems
Basic introduction to compilers for C-like languages
Assembly code generation for a subset of the C language
Part VI – Micro-architetture level
The micro-architecture: hardwired and micro-programmed design
Micro-programmed architectures
Basic introduction on a micro-programmed architecture for NMOS 6502 CPUs
I/O management at the micro-architecture level: interrupts and DMA
Interaction with the software level
Bibliography
David A. Patterson, John L. Hennessy. Struttura e Progetto dei Calcolatori, Zanichelli, 2006.
Giacomo Bucci. Architettura e organizzazione dei calcolatori elettronici - Fondamenti, McGraw-Hill, 2004.
William Stallings. Architettura e organizzazione dei calcolatori - Progetto e prestazioni, Addison Wesley, 2004.
Andrew S. Tanenbaum. Architettura dei Calcolatori, 5a edizione, Prentice Hall, 2006.
Randall Hyde. The Art of Assembly Programming, disponibile online.
Teaching methods
Classes and laboratory exercizes
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and oral exams
Other information
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