Digital Computer Systems

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use a hardware description language to create finite-state machines
• Implement arithmetic and logic circuits using digital logic
• Construct a simple CPU that interfaces with combinatorial memory

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Describe how a simple CPU is constructed from combinatorial and sequential logic
• Map integer arithmetic into combinatorial logic and bit-wise representations
• Predict the output of sequential digital circuits given an input sequence

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Design a combinatorial circuit to perform a given function
• Explain the difference between a custom circuit and a CPU solution
• Discuss the sustainability implications of constructing single-use custom products versus re-usable off-the-shelf solutions.
• Extract simple input/output requirements for a problem with internal state

Combinatorial logic:

• Binary logic and primitive logic gates
• Truth tables and circuit design

Arithmetic:

• Number representations
• Addition
• Multiplication
• ALUs

Sequential logic:

• Clocks, latches, flip-flops
• Finite state-machines
• RAMs, ROMs, and FIFOs

Practical circuits:

• Logic-levels
• Timing
• FPGA implementation using Verilog

Introduction to CPUs:

• Instructions
• Address spaces and buses
• Minimal instruction processor
• Intro to assembly

The module consists of:

• Lectures
• Guided self-study
• Labs as part of the AICE Lab Programme which will cover practical aspects

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.