EEE2007 : Computer Systems and Microprocessors
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Nick Coleman
- Lecturer: Dr Rishad Shafik
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| 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
Review of assembly language programming.
Low-level programming of I/O: polling, interrupts, systematic treatment of interrupts, DMA.
Structure of real-time software.
Section 3
Microprocessor architecture and basic system organisation.
The bus.
Digital interfacing: logical design, timing, causes of noise and countermeasures.
Memory subsystems.
I/O controllers.
I/O programming techniques: polling, interrupts, DMA.
Design, construction and test of a simple practical microprocessor system.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Revision for final exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Final exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 19:00 | 19:00 | Programming assignment 2 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Programming assignment 1 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 3:00 | 24:00 | Microprocessor Practical |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Programming |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Execution of practical |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation of practical |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Underlying theory and its application in practice is taught in the lectures. 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
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 180 | 1 | A | 60 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 20 | Programming Assignments |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 20 | Micro practical |
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.
Semester 1 Study Abroad students will be able to sit the final assessment earlier.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- EEE2007's Timetable