To obtain an understanding of the construction and operation of embedded computer systems and their components.

Furthermore to gain an understanding of how computer performance is dependent upon the design of computer architectures and sub-circuits.

(LO1) An understanding of the internal operation of a CPU

(LO2) Knowledge of some methods used to increase CPU performance

(S1) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills: Independent learning Problem solving and design skills.

(S2) After successful completion of the module: students should be able to determine how any computer system functions from published data and be able to apply this to developing simple processor systems from large scale modules.

(S3) On successful completion of the module: the student should be able to understand published data concerning use of typical computer system components.

(S4) After successful completion of the module, the student should have: An understanding of the internal operation of a CPU Knowledge of some methods used to increase CPU performance, an understanding of the difference between RISC and CISC type systems and knowledge of memory systems.

- Characteristics of Embedded Systems. Low power, design reuse, open standards, IP 2 Computer Architecture von Neumann structure, standard CPU architecture, characteristics and comparison of CISC and RISC systems

- ALU architecture requirements of the ALU, number representation and ALU sub-circuits.

- Memory cache performance measures, direct mapped, associative cache design, write strategies.

- Thumb instruction set characteristics, performance benefits.

- Low power digital circuit design voltage scaling, clock gating, power gating.

- Bus architectures tri-state bus, AMBA, bus decoders, bus arbiters, APB, AHB, etc.

- Memory management MPU, MMU, virtual addresses, page tables, PTW and translation look-aside buffer extension to multiple OS systems.

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students. It is anticipated that both a) & b) will be in operation for semester 1.
(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight