EEE2007 : Computer Systems and Microprocessors
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Nick Coleman
- Lecturer: Dr Rishad Shafik
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To improve and extend programming techniques at both high and low level. To intoduce the concepts underlying a microprocessor system and design, test and build such a system.
Outline Of Syllabus
Section 1
Low level C++: structures, functions, pointers, bit manipulation.
Motherboard architecture: CPU, memory, interrupts, DMA, I/O devices, status registers, memory mapping, virtual memory.
Section 2
Microprocessor and microcontroller architecture, and basic system organisation.
Review of assembly language programming.
The bus.
Memory.
I/O controllers.
Digital interfacing: logical design, timing.
Low-level programming of I/O: polling, interrupts, systematic treatment of interrupts.
Design, construction and test of a simple practical microprocessor system.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 25 | 0:30 | 12:30 | Non-synchronous, recorded lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Programming assessment 1 |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Programming assessment 2 |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Tutorial, microprocessors, synchronous online |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Preparation for Assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 17:00 | 17:00 | Written exam - Revision and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Tutorial, programming, synchronous online |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 6 | 3:00 | 18:00 | PiP - Micro Prac |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 6 | 3:00 | 18:00 | Preparation for Micro Prac |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 25 | 0:30 | 12:30 | Student time to go through Non-synchronous lectures |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Underlying theory and its application in practice is taught in the online sessions. This is, however a predominantly practical subject and the substantial laboratory-based component reflects this. The latter requires a considerable amount of quiet reflection and preparation, time for which is allocated under independent study.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 15 | Programming Assignment 1 |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 15 | Programming Assignment 2 |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 30 | Microprocessor Practical - Design, construction, test & programming of microP system. |
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | 40 | Written exam |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Although the underlying theory plays an important part, the course is also practical in nature and specification, design and programming skills are being assessed.
Priority has been given to the assessment of these practical skills, with theoretical aspects covered as far as possible with a NUMBAS-based assessment.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- EEE2007's Timetable