Module Overview

Computer Systems Overview (5%)

Convert to and from Decimal, Binary, Hexadecimal, OctalBinary addition, subtraction, twos complementBoolean logic (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR gates) and combined logic. Simple circuits such as Half Adder, Full Adder, decoders, multiplexers, latches, flip flops

Number Systems and Logic: (15%)

Convert to and from Decimal, Binary, Hexadecimal, OctalBinary addition, subtraction, twos complementBoolean logic (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR gates) and combined logic. Simple circuits such as Half Adder, Full Adder, decoders, multiplexers, latches, flip flops

Computer Components: (30%)

Computer Case – Tower, DesktopPower Supply – AT, ATXComponents of the motherboard and their function – Chipset, expansion slots, memory slots, CPU slot/socket, copper traces, jumpers, heat sink, fansCPU – speed, manufacturer, bus, registers, control unit, ALU, MMX, FPUDescribe the fetch/decode execute cycleMemory Slots – SIMMs, DIMMs, RIMMs, PCMCIAExpansion buses and their uses- ISA, EISA, PCI, AGP, riser cardsParallel communication and connections – IEEE1396, Centronics interfaceSerial communication– DB9, DB25, PS/2…System resources - IRQs, DMA, I/O Addresses

The Central Memory: (20%)

Memory cell, addressing, memory sizesVolatile Vs Non-volatileRead-write memory – RAM, SRAM, DRAM, EDO-RAM, DDR-RAM, CacheRead only memory – ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH ROM, BIOSSpecialised memory Parity and non-parity memoryMemory Hierarchy

Peripheral Devices and Backing Storage: (20%)

Secondary storage devices – Magnetic Discs, Magnetic Tapes, Optical TechnologyInput devices – Keyboard, Mouse, Touch screen, Scanner, OCR, OMROutput devices – Monitor, VDU, SoundSource and select hardware devices

Assembly Language Programming: (10%)

The programming model. Addressing modes. Programming of a Microprocessor

Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown	%
Other Assessment(s)	50
Formal Examination	50