Base Knowledge
No prior knowledge required.
Teaching Methodologies
Theoretical Classes: Topics are presented through theoretical exposition.
Practical Classes: Practical assignments focus on specialized tasks, including the operation and fault diagnosis of systems studied in the theoretical and theoretical-practical sessions.
Learning Results
The “Computer Technologies and Architectures” course aims to explore the fundamental technologies underpinning the various components of computational systems.
It provides an integrated perspective by analyzing the main computer architectures and their interplay, while also addressing low-level software, highlighting its critical role in facilitating communication and control among system components.
Mastery of digital information representation is emphasized, focusing on numerical systems and their application within computational contexts, achieving this through the use of Assembly language, offering hands-on experience in understanding and leveraging these foundational tools.
Program
Basic Computer Architecture
- Von Neumann Model
- Evolution of Computers
- Historical Perspective
Digital Information Representation: Number Systems
- Base Conversions
- Binary Arithmetic
- Representation of Negative Numbers
- Bipolar Codes
- Sign-and-Magnitude Code
- One’s Complement Code
- Two’s Complement Code
Primary Memory
- Types and Technologies
- Structure and Composition
- Information Reading and Writing Processes
Secondary Memory
- Types and Technologies
- Structure and Composition
- Information Reading and Writing Processes
Processors
- Processor Evolution
- Key Technologies
- Characteristics
- Performance Metrics
Low-Level Programming
- Assembly Language for the 8086
- Memory Organization
- Registers and Segments
- Address Normalization
- Addressing Modes
- Variable Declaration
- Instruction Set
- MASM (Microsoft Macro Assembler)
- Procedures and Functions
- Video Memory
- Interrupts
Grading Methods
The assessment for this course is summative, meaning there will be no final exams.
The final grade will be determined throughout the year based on the following:
- 7 theoretical and theoretical-practical tests, covering key course topics, totaling 12 points.
- 1 practical Assembly assignment, involving the resolution of a practical worksheet across multiple classes, totaling 8 points.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Monteiro, R. V., et al. (2004). Tecnologia dos equipamentos informáticos. FCA. ISBN 972-722-419-9.
Patterson, D. A., & Hennessy, J. L. (2004). Computer organization & design: The hardware/software interface (3rd ed.). Morgan Kaufmann. ISBN 1558606041.
White, R. (2001). How computers work (6th ed.). Que Publishing. ISBN 9780789725493.
Mazidi, M. A., & Mazidi, J. G. (2000). 80×86 IBM PC and compatible computers: Assembly language, design and interfacing (Vols. I & II, 3rd ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN 9780130165688.
Santos, J. R. D. P. (1989). Programando em Assembler 8086/8088. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 9780074503454.