CSC 330 Microcomputing Systems 3 cr.

The technology and functions of the microprocessor chip are discussed.   8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit architectures are compared.   Control functions, real-time techniques, interrupt processing, multiprocessing, mass storage, input/output operations, file access methods, and storage design are discussed from the microprocessor point of view.   The role of high-level programming languages in microcomputer systems is treated.   One or more specific microcomputer instruction sets will be used for programming assignments.   Three lecture hours per week, plus laboratory work outside of class.
Prerequisites: CSC 260,CSC 271.

Topics:
  • Essential elements of a computer
    • Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)
    • input/output (I/O) elements
    • memory element
    • Control Unit element
  • Microprocessor: Most of a Computer on a Chip
    • microprocessor buses
    • microprocessor ALU, I/O, and Control elements
  • Single-chip microprocessors
  • Microcontrollers: I/O-oriented single-chip microprocessors
    • microcontroller I/O
    • interrupts
    • ALU
    • timers
    • parallel and serial I/O
    • external devices
    • configurations of microprocessors and microcontrollers
  • Computer instruction set
    • desirable characteristics of instruction sets
    • instruction formats
    • addressing modes
    • SISC, RISC, and CISC
  • Task-oriented instructions
    • instructions for business, text processing and data manipulation
    • scientific-oriented instructions
    • control-oriented instructions
  • Microcontroller Unit (MCU) instruction sets
    • a comparison of four MCU instruction sets
    • I/O instructions
    • arithmetic instructions
    • bit-manipulation instructions
  • Microcontroller software implementation
    • software development procedures
    • real-time process control
    • conversion from Petri Table to software
    • interfacing C and assembly language
Assignments:
      There will be extensive laboratory experiments with one or more specific microcontrollers such as the Motorola MC68HC 11, Intel MCS-51 or Texas Instruments TMS370. There will also be periodic written assignments.

Examinations:
      There will be two one-hour exams given in class, and a comprehensive two-hour final examination given during the scheduled final exam period.

Grading:
      Final grades will be determined using the following approximate weights:   written homework - 20%; lab experiments - 40%; hour exams - 10% each; final examination - 20% .

Bibliography:
  • Lewin & Noaks.   Theory and Design of Digital Computer Systems.   (Chapman & Hall)
  • [Motorola]   MC68HC11 User's Manual.
  • [Motorola]   PCBug11 User's manual.
Salem State Home • Computer Science Home • Faculty • Computer Studies Major • Flow Sheet
Computer Studies Minor • Courses • Course Sequence Diagram • Computer Laboratories