Computer organisation
D Thomson
6 points * 4 hours per week * First semester * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GCO1812, GAS1602 or GAS1611 * Prohibitions: BUS2120, CFR1130, COT1130, CSC2010, RDT2241
Components of a computer system: processors, memory, secondary storage devices and media, other input and output devices. Processor organisation: registers, buses, multiplexers, decoders, ALUs, clocks, main memory, caches. Microprogramming. Von Neumann architecture, the conventional machine level: instruction types and formats, addressing modes, flow of control. Data transfers: DMA, interrupts and programmed I/O. Parallel machine architectures: multiprocessors, special purpose systems. Programming techniques for low-level operations. Access to the university's computer systems via modem is compulsory for distance education students.
Assessment
Examination (3 hours): 100%
Prescribed texts
Tanenbaum A Structured computer organization 3rd edn, Prentice-Hall, 1990