Computer Architecture I
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course aims at introducing basic concepts of hardware and firmware architectures of computing systems, starting from digital circuit fundamentals up to the description of behavior and structure of the main parts of a computing system and its programming in machine language.
Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to master information encoding techniques, Boolean algebra, and key notions of logic circuits. They will have to demonstrate understanding of role and behavior of basic elements related to structure and functioning of a computer. Students will have also to be able to translate simple algorithms into the machine language of the reference processor adopted in the course.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Teaching methods
Asynchronous lessons (video recordings or power point with audio) will be available and will cover the topics of each lesson of the course. Recorded lessons will be available weekly on Ariel. In addition, during the scheduled teaching times, some periodic synchronous meetings with students will be organized, using the Zoom platform, in order to carry out exercises, provide clarifications and answer students' questions. Synchronous meetings will be recorded and made available on Ariel.
Program and reference material
The course program and the reference materials are unchanged. All course's material will always be available in Ariel.
Learning assessment procedures and assessment criteria
Remote exams will be carried out using the exam.net platform, as illustrated on the University's portal. The written test will be shortened to approximately 60 minutes.
Asynchronous lessons (video recordings or power point with audio) will be available and will cover the topics of each lesson of the course. Recorded lessons will be available weekly on Ariel. In addition, during the scheduled teaching times, some periodic synchronous meetings with students will be organized, using the Zoom platform, in order to carry out exercises, provide clarifications and answer students' questions. Synchronous meetings will be recorded and made available on Ariel.
Program and reference material
The course program and the reference materials are unchanged. All course's material will always be available in Ariel.
Learning assessment procedures and assessment criteria
Remote exams will be carried out using the exam.net platform, as illustrated on the University's portal. The written test will be shortened to approximately 60 minutes.
Course syllabus
- Information Representation: Number Systems, Binary Codes, Alphanumeric Codes.
- Arithmetic Operations.
- Digital circuits: Boolean algebra, combinational circuits, basic sequential circuits.
- Introduction to architectural concepts and to the MIPS processor.
- MIPS Assembly: instructions, Assembly constructs vs. constructs defined at high abstraction level.
- Arithmetic for Computers.
- The Processor.
- Introductory notions on memory hierarchy.
- Arithmetic Operations.
- Digital circuits: Boolean algebra, combinational circuits, basic sequential circuits.
- Introduction to architectural concepts and to the MIPS processor.
- MIPS Assembly: instructions, Assembly constructs vs. constructs defined at high abstraction level.
- Arithmetic for Computers.
- The Processor.
- Introductory notions on memory hierarchy.
Prerequisites for admission
No requirement
Teaching methods
Traditional lectures. A subset of lectures will focus exclusively on exercises.
Teaching Resources
- M. Morris Mano, C.R. Kime, T. Martin, Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, Pearson.
- D.A. Patterson, J.L. Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software, Elsevier.
- Slides and other materials available on the course website.
https://vcirianiae.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
- D.A. Patterson, J.L. Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software, Elsevier.
- Slides and other materials available on the course website.
https://vcirianiae.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is a written test. The written test requires the solution of application and theoretical exercises, having contents and difficulties similar to those shown in class. During the exam, the consultation of texts or notes is not allowed. The evaluation parameters include: knowledge of the course topics and logical reasoning skills. In oder to pass the exam the score must be equal or above 18/30. The maximum score is 30/30 with laude. The marks will be sent to students by official e-mails, from the verbalization system.
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment only
Dipartimento di Informatica - Via Celoria 18 - 20135 - Milano (MI)