Learning objectives
The course starts from the basics of information representation. It then passes through logic-level networks and their design. It eventually ends to provide the basic of 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.
Taking Dublin Indicators into account:
Knowledge and understanding
The course introduces the first concepts related to the architecture of computers. Particular emphasis is given to the understanding of the classical architectures based on the Von Neumann model. The reference text is in Italian, but standard English terminology is commonly used during the lessons as goodwill to the consultation of the international scientific literature.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The knowledge presented is always applied to the resolution of specific problems. The exercises that accompany the course are focused on solving exercises and problems, particularly at the interface between hardware and software. Often the solution methods are presented in the form of an algorithm, developing in students the ability to structure procedures that are useful in many parts of computer science, and not only in the study of the computer architecture.
Making judgments
The exercises, which are proposed in relation to the theoretical part presented in class, can be solved individually or in groups. The comparison with classmates, work at home or in classroom, favors the development of specific skills in students to enable the explanation of arguments to fellows and teachers. Often the exercises can be solved in many different ways and listening to the solutions proposed by other allows students to develop the ability to identify common structures, beyond the apparent superficial differences.
Communication skills
The numerous discussions on the different methods to solve problems allow students to improve communication skills. Specific communication of computer technology is also usually used during classes and exercises.
Learning skills
The study of the origins of technological solutions and their introduction motivated by quantitative considerations contributes to the students’ ability to learn in a deep way and not just superficial and repetitive. The knowledge acquired is never rigid and definitive, but it is adaptable to any evolution and change of perspective and context.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
Part I – Introduction to computing systems
Part II – Logic level
Part III – Functional level
Part IV – Pipeline and assembly language
Part V – Multicore and GPU
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 – Assembly language
Pipeline
Part V – Overview of multicore systems and GPUs
Bibliography
Teaching material:
course slides
Reference text:
Giacomo Bucci. Calcolatori elettronici. Architettura e organizzazione, McGraw-Hill, 2017.
Teaching methods
Standard classes. There are no laboratory classes
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes and methods of verification
Being able to understand and make appropriate use of techniques relating to the representation of information. Being able to work at the logic level in the design of simple combinational and sequential synchronous networks. Knowing the basic architecture of the computers according to the Von Neumann Model both at functional and at micro-architecture levels. Know and be able to use the main techniques of assembly language programming for classical architectures.
Learning assessment/examination
The exam consists of a written test and an oral interview (written test scored more or equal to 24) which can be accessed only after the written test. It is possible to take the written test several times, but each delivered written cancels the previous test. It is possible to cancel the intermediate test upon completing the full written test.
An intermediate test will be given during November and it will focus on the first half of the program. If not failed, the intermediate test can be used in place of the first half of the written test throughout the sessions until September. In this case the final mark will be computed as the arithmetic average between the two written parts.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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