MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY
CIS 3330 COURSE SYLLABUS

revised 8/12/2007

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course number: CIS 3330
Credit/Contact hours: 3
Term: Fall, August 29 - December 7, 2007
Course title: Computer Organization
College website: www.mansfield.edu

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor name: John Phillips
Instructor office location: Elliott 205 C
Instructor office hours: online at http://faculty.mansfield.edu/jphillip/
Instructor telephone: 570-662-4554
Instructor e-mail address: jphillip@mansfield.edu

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description

Overview of computer hardware, computer structure, machine representation of information, instruction codes, addressing, concepts of digital logic, microprogramming and assembly language programming.

Prerequisites: CIS 1104

Textbooks

CODE: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software, Charles Petzold, 2000, Microsoft Press, ISBN: 0-7356-1131-9.

Computer Organization and Design Fundamentals, David Tarnoff, 2006, Lulu Press, ISBN: 1-4116-3690-2. This book is available online for free from http://www.lulu.com/content/138292 as a PDF file. Or you can purchase a hardcopy at http://www.lulu.com/content/138273.

How Computers Work (8th Edition), Ron White, 2005, Que, ISBN: 0789734249.

Software

Course software will be installed on the computers in the Elliott 207 and/or Elliott 216 computer labs. However, you may wish to download and install copies on your own computer. The software is free.

MultiMedia Logic Win32 Kit - download at http://www.softronix.com/logic.html

8086 Microprocessor Simulator - download at http://www.softwareforeducation.com/sms32v50/index.php.

Equipment and supplies

Access to the Internet is required either using your own computer or by using a computer in the school's computer lab. Presentation materials and other supplies may need to be purchased for your project. You should keep at least 2 separate backup copies of all work you do on a USB key, diskettes, or other suitable media.

Course Website

http://www.mnsfld.edu/blackboard.cfm for the Blackboard class discussion board

Course Outline

1. Introduction, history, number systems, information representation
2. Logic, gates, combinational circuits
3. Memory, flip flops, clocks
4. CPU design, control logic, machine code
5. Computer system design
6. Assembly language

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

• convert numbers between the binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal bases
• add, subtract, multiply, and divide binary numbers
• add and subtract binary numbers using the 2’s complement number system
• explain how binary numbers are used to represent information
• explain how binary numbers represent transistors
• draw schematic diagrams using transistors to build logic gates
• draw schematic diagrams using logic gates to build combinational circuits
• write Boolean algebra equations given a truth table
• draw a schematic diagram given Boolean algebra equations
• write truth tables given a schematic diagram
• explain and draw a simple binary adding machine circuit schematic using logic gates
• explain and draw a simple flip-flop circuit schematic using logic gates
• explain and draw a simple RAM memory circuit schematic using logic gates and flip-flops
• explain and draw schematics of an 8-bit counter, 2-to-1 selector, 8-bit latch, and 8-bit adder
• use the counter, selectors, latches, adder, and RAM to design and simulate a simple CPU
• explain how the simple CPU could be built using an FPGA or CPLD device
• write assembly language programs for the simple CPU, hand assemble into machine code, and execute
• describe the architecture of the Atmel AVR microcontroller
• breadboard a simple Atmel AVR microcontroller system
• interface LEDs, switches, sensors, and an LCD to the Atmel AVR microcontroller
• write an assembly language program to control the microcontroller system
• describe the architecture of the Intel x86 family of processors
• write simple assembly language programs for the Intel x86 family of processors
• use a multimeter, digital logic probe, and oscilloscope to examine a circuit
• independently design, build, test, document, and present a course related project

Class schedule

TuTh 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM in Elliott 206

Grading scale and policy

In general the following policy will be used on subjectively graded work such as essays and projects. Work that meets the stated requirements and is of average quality will earn a C+ grade. Work that goes beyond the basic requirements will in general earn anywhere from a B- to a B+ grade. Work that is very good and exceeds the instructor's expectations will in general earn an A- or A grade. Only the most outstanding work will earn an A+ grade.

(Refer to the Mansfield University Catalog for grades that can be awarded.)

A >= 90%
B >= 80%
C >= 70%
D >= 60%
F < 60%

In addition, the instructor may choose to further differentiate grades with plus and minus subdivisions as outlined in the catalog.

 

Course Item	% of Grade
Assignments and quizzes	10
Midterm exam	20
Individual project report and presentation	30
Final exam	40

Assignments will be posted on Blackboard and/or announced in class. You may work together with other students on the assignments as long as each student is doing his or her own work and you are just getting help from each other on problem areas. Copying another student’s work is not allowed and would be considered plagiarism. If you get help from a person other than the instructor you must include the details of this help in writing on the assignment.

The exams will be closed book. Electronic devices such as laptop computers, calculators, and cell phones may not be used during the exam.

Attendance and participation will help me decide borderline cases when I assign final grades. For example, a student with an 88% or 89% final grade would probably be assigned a B+ grade. However, if the student had nearly perfect attendance and active well-prepared participation throughout the course then I would consider bumping the grade up to an A-.

Late work policy

A late assignment, report, presentation, or exam will automatically lose one letter grade for each week late unless it is an unavoidable officially excused and documented emergency absence. No work other than the final exam will be accepted after the last day of classes.

Instructor's expectations

This course places an emphasis on out-of-class experimentation, research, and reading. You will need to go beyond the textbook and draw from the extensive resources available on the Internet and within the MU library. You will need to spend a large amount of time exploring the course topics in a hands-on environment, either on your own computer or in the computer lab. Please allocate plenty of time in your schedule for this course.

Methods of instruction

This lecture course has a large homework component. You will need to do considerable reading and studying from the textbook as well as from course notes and Internet sources. It can be very helpful to read ahead and mark any sections that you do not understand or have questions about so that you can ask for clarification during the lectures. Many assignments will require the use of simulation software that will be made available to you for download. Or if you prefer, you can do the assignments in the Elliott 207 computer lab. Feel free to ask questions during lectures, during office hours, or on the class discussion board about any material you need clarified.

Unique requirements of the course

This course requires previous programming experience. In addition, I assume you have knowledge of algebra, technical writing, oral presentations, and general computer skills. Considerable time will be required to do the reading and complete the assignments. Please do not take this course if you do not have the time it will take to keep up with the work.

Attendance

If a student must miss a class due to documented illness or other excusable reason, the student must:

• inform the faculty member that a written excuse is coming from a physician, coach or other authority prior to the absence if possible, but no later than the first class period after the excused absence;
• provide each faculty member with a copy of the signed excuse; (The original must be available for faculty review.)
• make up missed graded assignments or exams as soon as possible as outlined by the faculty member

In order to avoid prolonged delay of make-up of the work, a faculty member may, at her/his discretion, give the make-up work and hold it for grading until after the written excuse is received.

Bad Weather / Instructor Illness Policy

On days that we have icy or snowy weather, the instructor may choose to hold class on-line. This will be announced online on Blackboard. Likewise, should the instructor be sick, please check Blackboard for assignments and/or alternative online class activities.

Academic Integrity

Feel free to help each other solve problems encountered on the assignments. Browse other students' posted work, on-line web sites, and other books for ideas. However, do be careful; if you copy another's work and you do not give credit for it that is plagiarism. In general, any work you submit should contain your own work and not someone else's. It would be especially bad to copy another student's work and then make a few changes to it and submit it as your own. Please do not do this. If you are in doubt then discuss the situation with your instructor.

Syllabus statement for students who may have “exceptionalities:"

Any students with documented psychological or learning disorders or other significant medical conditions that may affect their learning should work through Mr. William Chabala in our Counseling Center (101 Hemlock Manor, Phone: 662-4695; e-mail wchabala@mnsfld.edu) to provide me with the appropriate letter so that I may serve their particular needs more effectively. If you have an exceptionality that requires class or testing accommodations, Mr. Chabala will work with us to identify and implement appropriate interventions.

Withdrawal Policy for Individual Courses

The last day to withdraw from a College course with a "W" grade is published in the Academic Calendar. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit the necessary forms to the Registrar's Office. An official withdrawal would entitle the student to a grade of "W" in the course.

Syllabus Change Policy

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and course timeline as the course progresses.

COURSE TIMELINE

Week	Outline
1	Lecture: Computer hardware – a brief introduction to electronic components and tools Lab: Multimeter, breadboard, discrete components, regulated power supply CODE: Read chapters 1-6
2	Monday is Labor day - CIS3330 will meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday Lecture: Number systems and information representation Lab: Morse code, Braille, bar codes, simple circuits CODE: read chapters 7, 8, 15, 9 Tarnoff: skim chapter 1; memorize table 1-1 on page 16; read chapter 2 pages 19-27 and 36-39
3	Lecture: Boolean algebra Lab: Logic gates CODE: read chapters 10-11 Tarnoff: read chapters 4, 5, and 6
4	Lecture: Binary arithmetic Lab: Adding/subtracting machine design CODE: read chapters 12-13 Tarnoff: read chapter 3; skim chapter 7
5	Lecture: Flip-flops, 8-bit latch, 2-to-1 selector, ripple counter Lab: Adding machine with storage; ripple counter CODE: read chapter 14 Tarnoff: read chapters 8 and 10
6	Lecture: RAM design, 8-to-1 selector, 3-to-8 decoder Lab: RAM with control panel CODE: read chapter 16 Tarnoff: skim chapter 11
7	Lecture: Review for midterm exam CODE: Read and re-read chapter 17 as it is the key chapter of the book Midterm Exam on Friday
8	No Class Monday – Fall Holiday Lecture/Lab: Design of the MUCPU CODE: read chapter 18 Tarnoff: skim chapters 12, 13, 14
9	Lecture/Lab: Programming the MUCPU CODE: read chapter 19
10	Lecture/Lab: Extending the MUCPU CODE: read chapter 20
11	Lecture/Lab: Small system design using an Atmel AVR Series Microcontroller CODE: read chapter 21 Individual technical projects assigned

 

12	Lecture/Lab: Microcomputer system interfacing CODE: read chapter 22
13	No Class Wednesday through Friday - Thanksgiving holiday Lab: project workday CODE: read chapters 23 and 24 Tarnoff: read chapter 15
14	Lecture: Intel 80x86 architecture and assembly language programming Lab: x86 programming Tarnoff: read chapters 16 and 17
15	Individual technical project presentations and project report Lecture/Lab: Inside the PC CODE: read chapter 25 Tarnoff: read chapter 9
16	Final Exam