Program Overview

IS1200 Computer Hardware Engineering

The course IS1200 Computer Hardware Engineering is a 7.5 credit course that provides basic knowledge of how a computer functions and is built-up from both a hardware and software perspective.

Course Contents

The course is divided into six different modules, which include the following basic concepts:

1. C-programming and assembler language: pointers, functions, stack, assembly language, machine language, instruction encoding, and processor registers.
2. I/O system: timers, interrupts, and memory mapped I/O.
3. Digital design: truth tables, gates, boolean algebra, multiplexers, decoders, adders, combinatorial nets, sequential networks, and registers.
4. Processor construction: arithmetic-logic unit, data path, control unit, and pipeline.
5. Memory architectures: instruction cache, data cache, and virtual memory.
6. Parallel processors and programs: Amdahl's law, different variants of parallelism, and multicore.

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.

Literature and Preparations

Specific Prerequisites

No information inserted

Recommended Prerequisites

Fundamental knowledge of programming and digital electronics.

Literature

Information about course literature can be found in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and Completion

Grading Scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, 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.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Examiner

Marco Chiesa

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 Room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas.

Offered By

EECS/Computer Science

Main Field of Study

Technology

Education Cycle

First cycle

Supplementary Information

In this course, the EECS code of honor applies.