IS1200 Computer Hardware Engineering 7.5 credits

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Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course gives basic knowledge of how a computer functions and is built-up both from a hardware and from a software perspective The course is divided into six different modules, which for example include the following basic concepts:
- C-programming and assembler language: pointers, functions, stack, assembly language, machine language, instruction encoding and processor registers.
- I/O system: timers, interrupts and memory mapped I/O.
- Digital design: truth tables, gates, boolean algebra, multiplexers, decoders, adders, combinatorial nets, sequential networks and registers.
- Processor construction: arithmetic-logic unit, data path, control unit and pipeline.
- Memory architectures: instruction cache, data cache and virtual memory.
- Parallel processors and programs: Amdahl's law, different variants of parallelism as well as multicore.
Note that module 3 is recommended prior knowledge to the course and comes not to be treated on lectures or labs. However, the material for module 3 will be available on the course homepage, as it is prior knowledge to module 4.
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student shall be able to
- Implement low-level programs in the C programming language and in an assembly language
- Implement low-level programs with input-output, timers, and interrupts
- Analyse processor microarchitectures, with and without a pipeline,
- Analyse memory hierarchies, including cache-structures.
- Compare fundamental concepts about multiprocessor computers.
- Explain and describe technical solutions both orally and in writing.
For higher grades, the student shall also be able to construct more complex programs and/or discuss and analyze concepts within the course. The details are specified in the course memo.
Course disposition
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites
Fundamental knowledge of programming and digital electronics.
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web IS1200Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
Supplementary information
In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see: http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.