SIE 370 - Design of Computer Systems

SIE 370 - Design of Computer Systems (4) Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential logic circuits, finite state machines, simple computer architecture, assembly language programming, and real-time computer control. The computer is used as an example of systems engineering design; it is analyzed as a system, not as a collection of components. 3R, 1L. 1ES, 3ED. P, ENGR 102, ECE 207.

Randy H. Katz, Contemporary Logic Design, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc., 1994.

W. Ford and W. Topp, Assembly Language and Systems Programming for the M68000 Family, Second Edition, D. C. Heath & Co., 1992.

SIE 370 Microcomputer Systems Laboratory Manual, Spring 1998.

John R. Lyon, Lecturer, Systems and Industrial Engineering.

Frank Ciarallo, Assistant Professor, Systems and Industrial Engineering.

1. Engineering design process
2. Experience with a high-level computer programming language.
3. Familiarity with the purpose of switches, resistors and capacitors in the design of low-voltage DC electrical circuits.

First homework assignment to design and document a system to extinguish a burning candle. Program simulation of a vehicle traffic light controller. Class analysis of logic gates as simple switched DC circuits.

To help the student learn how to design and document the development of complex systems. Microprocessor design is studied since it provides insights into process control. Emphasis is placed on the proper reaction of the system to various inputs. The student should be able to progress from an informal statement of need through a formal process description to a working system.

1. Number systems - advantages and drawbacks of different representations.
2. Boolean algebra and tools for simplification of functions.
3. Realization of functions using gates to form combinational logic circuits.
4. Sequential, history dependent logic as a means to describe states in a process.
5. The use of clocked logic circuits to design state machines.
6. Modeling of a state machine in either hardware or software.
7. The ability to design a simple microprocessor and to extend its capability as needed.

1. Overview of a computer and of design (2 hours)
2. The RS-232 standard for serial transmission (1 hour)
3. Boolean algebra and simplified 2-level logic (4 hours)
4. Multilevel logic (1 hour)
5. Programmable and steering logic (3 hours)
6. Number systems and ALU design (3 hours)
7. Assembly language programming (2 hours)
8. Flip-flops (2 hours)
9. Finite state machine design (5 hours)
10. Counters (1 hour)
11. System design (3 hours)
12. System optimization (2 hours)
13. Finite state machine implementation (2 hours)
14. Computer organization (4 hours)
15. Controller implementation (4 hours)
16. A small computer (3 hours)

1. Three hours of lecture, one three-hour lab session per week.
2. 10 homework assignments - nine are completed as lab projects in a team setting.
3. Two examinations and a final exam.

1. Students use circuit design programs to minimize and optimize laboratory design projects.
2. Students develop and run assembly language programs for the 68000 microcomputer as well as high-level language programs on a PC platform.
3. Additional information pertaining to laboratory assignments is placed on the
4. World Wide Web.
5. Students use word processors for laboratory reports.

1. Design a PC computer laboratory.
2. Serial communication.
3. Programming the 68000 microcomputer.
4. Interconnecting computers.
5. A hardware train controller.
6. Digital clock.
7. Assembly language train controller.
8. High level language train controller.
9. Computer interfacing.

1. Class examinations.
2. Homework and laboratory project reports.

Contribution to Program Objectives: Goals 2, 3, 4, 5

Prepared by: John R Lyon   Date: May 19, 1998