Digital Computer Systems

Module overview

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the boundary between logic gates and software, and explain how computer systems are constructed and executed. This includes aspects such as how high-level concepts such as arithmetic and logic are mapped down to binary gates, and how CPUs can be constructed from those gates. On completing this course students will have a good understanding oh how the digital infrastructure underlying their software actually works. For AI students this will serve to de-mystify the operation of CPUs and logic for some students, and allow them to understand how to program efficiency and high-performance systems. For CE students this forms the basis on which computer architecture will be developed in 2nd year, then expanded in advanced computer architecture in 3rd year.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Extract simple input/output requirements for a problem with internal state
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.
Design a combinatorial circuit to perform a given function

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The module consists of: - Lectures - Guided self-study - Labs as part of the AICE Lab Programme which will cover practical aspects

Study time
Type	Hours
Specialist Laboratory	15
Lecture	32
Completion of assessment task	55
Independent Study	48
Total study time	150

Assessment

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Computing assignment	37.5%
Class Test	10%
Exam	40%
Computing Laboratories	12.5%

Referral

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Lab Marks carried forward	12.5%
Exam	50%
Coursework	37.5%