Computer Architecture

Objectives

Compreender o funcionamento do computador e conhecer as funções dos seus componentes principais; adicionar ou substituir componentes ao computador; resolver problemas de hardware.

Program

1. Architecture and organization of a computer:
1.1. Main components: the Von Neumann model
1.2. History and evolution
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2.1. Registers and functional units
2.2. Execution of instructions
3. Control unit
3.1. Decoding and sequencing instructions
4. Memories
4.1. Internal: cache and RAM
4.2. External: magnetic and optical disks
5. Buses
5.1. types
5.2. Structure
6. Inputs and Outputs
6.1. Modules and techniques
6.2. external interfaces
7. Assembly computer
8. Detection and resolution of hardware problems

Teaching Methodologies

Lecture sessions: use of electronic presentations and projector to better explain and understand the syllabus. They are built on student participation and illustrative examples listed by them for greater involvement of students in the construction of knowledge and the development of class. In this way students will be able to make a bridge with other contents already taught in the course.

Theoretical and practical sessions: using the projector, to better explain the syllabus. The introduction of the contents is always followed by practical exercises so that students can practice the same and see the interconnection between the theoretical contents and practice. For best practice the consolidation of content classes are dedicated to the resolution of problems and/or small jobs survey, conducted individual, where the teacher accompanies the realization of these, elucidating individual students any doubts.

Practical sessions: labs for computer assembly, fault detection and resolution thereof.

Bibliography

José Delgado e Carlos Ribeiro, Arquitectura de Computadores, 5a. Edição, FCA, 2014.
Guilherme Arroz et al., Arquitectura de Computadores, 3a. Edição, IST Press, 2014.
José Gouveia e Alberto Magalhães, Curso Técnico de Hardware, 7a. Edição, FCA, 2011.
António Branco, Manual de Instalação e Reparação de Computadores, 3a. Edição, FCA, 2015.