Module 1: Introduction to Computer Architecture

  • Principles of computer hardware
  • Overview of instruction set architecture (ISA)
  • The classical von Neumann machine

Module 2: Central Processing Unit (CPU) Organization

  • Internal CPU organization and implementation
  • Instruction format and types: memory, I/O, dataflow, and flow control instructions
  • Addressing modes and stack operations

Module 3: Data Path and Control Unit Design

  • Data path design and control unit architecture
  • Register Transfer Level (RTL) operations
  • Microprogramming and hardwired control implementations

Module 4: Memory Hierarchy and Optimization

  • Memory hierarchy: cache memory and virtual memory
  • Cache performance and compiler support
  • Techniques for reducing memory latency

Module 5: Interrupts and I/O Organization

  • The concept and mechanisms of interrupts
  • Implementation of I/O control and data transfers
  • Overview of parallel architectures and interconnection networks

Module 6: Assembly Language Programming

  • Basics of assembly language programming
  • Instruction execution and debugging
  • Practical application: MS-DOS batch programming, keyboard input, video output, file and disk I/O

Laboratory Work

  1. Practical demonstration of the architecture of a typical computer.
  2. Illustration of instruction types and their execution.
  3. Hands-on practice with assembly language programming.
  4. Demonstration of interrupts in I/O operations.
  5. Programming assignments covering:
    • MS-DOS batch programming
    • Assembly process and debugging
    • File and disk I/O operations
    • Data structures in assembly programming
  6. Demonstration of Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC).
  7. Introduction to parallel architectures and interconnection networks.

Teaching/Learning Methods

  • Interactive lectures with multimedia aids
  • Laboratory practical sessions
  • Group discussions and problem-solving tasks
  • Assignments and programming projects
  • Demonstrations and hands-on activities

Modes of Assessment

  1. Continuous Assessment (quizzes, assignments, and participation): 40%
  2. Midterm Examination: 20%
  3. Final Examination (Theory and Practical): 40%

Reading List/References

Primary Texts:

  1. Stallings, W. (2021). Computer Organization and Architecture: Designing for Performance (11th ed.). Pearson.
  2. Patterson, D. A., & Hennessy, J. L. (2020). Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface (5th ed.). Morgan Kaufmann.

Supplementary Texts:

  1. Tanenbaum, A. S., & Austin, T. (2020). Structured Computer Organization (6th ed.). Pearson.
  2. Hamacher, C. V., Vranesic, Z. G., & Zaky, S. G. (2020). Computer Organization (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Additional Texts and Online Resources:

  1. Murdocca, M., & Heuring, V. (2020). Principles of Computer Architecture. Addison-Wesley.
  2. Tutorials Point (2024). Assembly Language Programming Tutorials. Available at: https://www.tutorialspoint.com
  3. GeeksforGeeks (2024). Computer Architecture Tutorials. Available at: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org