Course - Computer Fundamentals - TDT4160
Computer Fundamentals
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About the course
Course content
The course will contain terminology, principles, and concepts for the construction and operation of different kinds of modern computers and other computer-related equipment. Basic methods, analysis, and design of sequential logic and finite state machines. Principles of how computers (and other digital machines) are constructed from combinatoric and sequential logic logic blocks. Short historical overview of the evolution of computer technology. Architecture (organization), operation, and realization of computers and computer systems. Construction of computers on different levels, instruction format, address modes, processor architecture and types, Hardware and software interface, connection of components, interrupts, busses, storage hierarchy, and cache. Examination of central computer technical equipment (peripheral units). A short introduction to distributed systems, embedded systems, parallel computers, new technologies, and new applications will be given.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- The student should know how computers work and how they are constructed.
- The student should know the basic principles of design and analysis of sequential digital logic and finite-state machines.
- The student should know how a simple processor is constructed.
- The student should understand the interface between hardware and software.
- The student should know of central peripheral units.
- The student should understand how abstraction and structure are used to handle complexity in computer systems.
Skills:
- The student should be able to write simple programs in an assembly language.
- The student should be able to construct basic sequential digital logic and finite state machines from digital components such as gates and flip-flops.
- The student should be able to read schematics and block diagrams.
- The student should be able to see how schematics and block diagrams at different levels of abstraction relate to each other.
General competence:
- The student should understand the general operation of a computer and be able to use this knowledge in projects at all abstraction levels.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and exercises.
Compulsory assignments
- Exercises
Further on evaluation
If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.
Recommended previous knowledge
TDT4100 Object-Oriented Programming, or equivalent knowledge in high level programming.
Course materials
Patterson and Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition: The Hardware Software Interface (2nd Edition), Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2020, Paperback ISBN: 9780128203316, eBook ISBN: 9780128245583
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SIF8026 | 7.5 sp | |
| IT2201 | 7.5 sp | Spring 2006 |
| TFE4105 | 3.7 sp | Autumn 2010 |
Subject areas
- Informatics
- Technological subjects
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2024
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.