CS216 – Computer Organization Laboratory
2011
Catalog Data
CS216 is a hands-on exploration of current and historical computer
components and devices. Hardware topics
include computer boards, hard drives, memory, peripherals, and multimedia
hardware. Students also take a computer
apart and reassemble it. Software topics
include assembly programming and computer benchmarking. Students will also be required to present
their research results orally on selected topics.
Pre- or Co-requisite: CS214 or EE371 (or equivalent). 1 credit hour.
Instructor:
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Jeffrey N. Denenberg |
Google Voice: (203) 513-9427 |
School: (203) 932-7198 |
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Email: jeffrey.denenberg@ieee.org |
Web Site: doctord.webhop.net |
Office Hrs: 9:30–10:30 AM, M-Th |
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Classroom: Buckman Hall 201 |
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Class Hrs: 10:50AM–12:05PM, T/Th |
Textbook: UnH Laboratory Manual - online at the course website.
Homework: Research Topics (Oral and Written) and Written Laboratory Reports
Computer Usage: Computer benchmarks; Hardware inspection, upgrade, disassembly and assembly.
Tutorials on the web:
HowStuffWorks: Inside a PC – A streaming video from a generally
useful web site,
HowStuffWorks: Microprocessors – A series of simplified descriptions
on the web,
Grading Policy: Laboratory Reports 60%
Written Research 30%
Topic Presentation 10% Multiple opportunities will be given
Late work will be penalized!
Prepared by: Jeffrey N. Denenberg – August 2011
Course Objectives:
1. Become familiar with the history of computer hardware
2. Connect the theory of computer organization to the hardware
3. Fully understand the flow of information and control through the hardware during execution of a program
4. Develop hands-on skills for computer troubleshooting
5. Appreciate the trade-offs inherent in different technologies/computer architectures that are used today
Course outcomes: At the completion of this course each student should be able to:
1. Identify the internal components of a computer (laptop, desktop)
2. Recount the major stages in the technological development of memory, mass storage, and processors
3. Identify the speed, cost, and effectiveness trade-offs of various peripheral interfaces
4. Identify the speed, cost, and effectiveness trade-offs of various types and sizes of memory
5. Identify the speed, cost, and effectiveness trade-offs of various processors and co-processors
6. Understand how the CPU implements the fetch-execute instruction cycle
7. Develop the skill and confidence to repair, disassemble and reassemble a real computer
Schedule:
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Date |
Topic |
Homework |
References |
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9/1 |
Course Introduction |
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9/6, 9/8 |
Computer Museum |
1. Museum Lab Report 2. Research the Evolution of a Computer Component |
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9/13, 9/15 |
Looking Inside Computers |
Desktop vs Laptop vs. Notepad Lab Report |
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9/20,9/22 |
Memory Technology and Evolution |
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9/27 |
Memory Architecture and Performance |
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9/28 |
No class |
Jewish New
Year |
5772 |
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10/4 |
Memory Size Benchmark |
Memory Benchmark Report |
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10/6 |
Peripheral Interfaces |
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10/10, 10/11 |
Columbus Day –
No Classes |
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10/13 |
Peripheral Implementations and Effectiveness |
Research a Peripheral |
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10/18, 10/20 |
Multimedia |
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10/25 |
GPU Benchmark |
GPU Benchmark Report |
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10/27 |
CPU Architecture and Assembly Code |
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11/1 |
CPU Simulator (PIPPIN) |
Write and Debug PIPPIN Assembly Program |
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11/3 |
Pippin Program Presentations |
A “Fast” Assembly Machine |
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11/8 |
Computer Disassembly |
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11/10, 11/15 |
Computer Assembly |
“Pile of Pieces” Lab Report |
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11/22 |
Last day to hand in Assignments |
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11/23-25 |
No Classes - Thanksgiving |
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