Module Details

Module Code: ZCOM C1202
Module Title: Computer Hardware 2
Title: Computer Hardware 2
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Nigel Whyte
Module Author:: David Kelly
Domains:  
Module Description: To familiarize the student with computer hardware, assembly language and programmable logic controllers.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Understand the basic operations and structure of a computer system, and its components.
LO2 Have a simple understanding of assembly language code, and be able to develop simple programs
LO3 Understand the basic operation and structure of a programmable microcontroller. and demonstrate practical skills in developing simple circuits and programs for them.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction and Fundamentals
Basic architecture of a generalised computer system - Input devices, output devices, secondary storage devices, CPU, ALU, bus systems, data, address and control bus, transfers between components (involving, and not involving main memory); consequences of changing data and address bus widths; Multiple buses on most systems.
CPU
Control unit, ALU, registers, instruction execution cycle.
Primary Memory
RAM and ROM characteristics; Structure and operation.
BIOS
POST; BIOS routines; ROM bootstrap loader.
The Bootstrap Process
RAM and ROM considerations; Bootstrap process; Future considerations?
Programmable Microcontrollers
Safety in the microcontroller laboratory; What is a microcontroller? - examples; ARDUINO (or equivalent); Sensors, Actuators, Transducers; Host computer; Stand alone operation; Shields;
IDE
Microcontroller IDE; Installation; Configuration; Editor; Compiler; Uploading; Debugging; Microcontroller memory types and capacities;
Programming
Programming language and environment; Sketches; Program structure; Common library functions; Serial Monitor; Program efficiency; Random numbers;
Circuit basics
Electricity basics; Voltage, Current and Power; Resistors (including colour coding); Ohm's law; Diodes; LEDs; Capacitors; Serial Connections and Parallel connections; Breadboard prototyping; Momentary action switches; Toggle switches; Switch debouncing; Pull down (and pull up) resistors;
More advanced techniques
Pulse Width Modulation; Duty Cycles; Analogue and Digital I/O; Tone generation
More advanced components and issues
Multicolour LEDs; Colour changing LEDs; RGB encoding; Temperature sensors; Data Sheets; Calibration; Potentiometers; Servo Motors, Decoupling Capacitors; Piezo electric speakers (active and passive); Sound; Light sensitive resistors; DC motors; MOSFETs; Diode protection; Secondary power sources; LCD display panels and support libraries; Character generation; Tilt switches; Seven segment display modules; SN74HC595 shift registers;
Assembly Language
Assembly instructions; Multiple source code files; Inputting and outputting numbers; Subroutines; Linker usage; Operating system function calls (software interrupts); passing and returning parameters;
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment25.00%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination25.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Theory examination
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Laboratory work
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 25
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Theory examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Repeat theory and practical examinations in the Autumn

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Laboratory Contact Lab Every Week 2.00 2
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Learner Hours Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Ron White. (2014), How Computers Work, 10. QUE, [ISBN: 9780133096804].
  • John Boxall. (2013), Arduino Workshop : A Hands-on Introduction with 65 Projects, No Starch Press, p.392, [ISBN: 9781593274481].
  • Jeremy Blum. (2013), Exploring Arduino : Tools and Technologies for Engineering Wizardry, John Wiley & Sons, p.384, [ISBN: 9781118549360].
  • Simon Monk. (2013), Programming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches, McGraw Hill Professional, p.264, [ISBN: 9780071830256].
  • Michael Margolis. (2011), Arduino Cookbook, "O'Reilly Media, Inc.", p.699, [ISBN: 9781449313876].
  • Becky Stewart. (2015), Adventures in Arduino, John Wiley & Sons, p.320, [ISBN: 9781118948477].
  • Simon Monk. (2015), Fritzing for Inventors: Take Your Electronics Project from Prototype to Product, McGraw-Hill Education TAB, p.240, [ISBN: 9780071844635].
  • Jim Ledin. Modern Computer Architecture and Organization, [ISBN: 9781838984397].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: