Degree in International Computer Engineering La Salle Campus Barcelona

Bachelor in International Computer Engineering

La Salle Degree s in Computer Engineering, is the only Degree program in Barcelona which equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the new international demands of the computer engineering sector and of the global business world.

Introduction to Computers

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Description: 

With this syllabus, the aim is to introduce students to the design and analysis of digital systems. Learn the architecture and basic operation of a computer while understanding its basic parts. Through the binary representation of information, Boolean algebra, combinatorial systems, arithmetic, memorizing information in a digital system and an introduction to sequential systems, for the implementation of computer control units and complex digital systems in general. constituting a foundational basis for later subjects in the field of computer architecture within the curriculum.

Type Subject
Primer - Obligatoria
Semester
Annual
Course
1
Credits
9.00

Titular Professors

Josep Majoral Julió
Professor

Professors

Josep Majoral Julió
Previous Knowledge: 

None

Objectives: 

The subject aims to provide the student with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of linear algebra, developing the ability to understand and use logical structures applied to problem solving.

Among the knowledge and skills they acquire we have:

  • 1. Acquire knowledge of the entire digital world and its components as well as how to design digital systems from the statement of a problem in real terms, for the practice of connecting systems, evaluating the response of the different elements, signals and components.
  • 2. Design and use systems, components, processes or experiments to achieve the established requirements and analyze and interpret the results obtained.
  • 3. Identify, formulate and solve technology-based problems that require a digital system to obtain a solution in a multidisciplinary environment individually or as a member of a team.
  • 4. Use the techniques and new systems design tools, either as a work process or methodology to take into account to make a system from its inception until it starts to function. The most used tools are those for system simulation.

Contents: 

  1. Part I. Boolean Algebra
    1. Topic 1. Numerical representation systems (6 sessions)
      1. Numerical systems
      2. Binary codes
      3. Alphanumeric codes
      4. Error detection codes
      5. Signed number representation
      6. Representation in Ca2
    2. Topic 2. Boolean algebra and logic gates (7 sessions)
      1. Boolean algebra
      2. Boolean functions
      3. Truth tables
      4. Boolean operations
      5. Canonical forms
      6. Boolean theorems
      7. Design and implementation of systems with logic gates
      8. VHDL language. Examples
      9. Description of systems with logic gates using VHDL
    3. Topic 3. Combinational logic circuits (8 sessions)
      1. Simplification of functions by Karnaugh maps
      2. Incomplete functions
      3. Design exercises
  2. Part II. Combinatorial systems
    1. Topic 4. Binary arithmetic (7 sessions)
      1. Arithmetic addition in natural binary
      2. Arithmetic subtraction in natural binary
      3. Arithmetic product in natural binary
      4. Arithmetic operations in natural binary
      5. Examples and design exercises with arithmetic operations in natural binary
      6. Arithmetic in Ca2
      7. Examples and design exercises with signed arithmetic operations
      8. Arithmetic in VHDL
    2. Topic 5. Combinatorial functional blocks (10 sessions)
      1. Characteristics of the input and output signals of the functional blocks
      2. Encoders
      3. Decoders
      4. Multiplexers
      5. Comparators
      6. Applications with functional blocks
  3. Part III. Elementary memory elements and registers
    1. Topic 6. Memory elements, registers and counters (21 sessions)
      1. Introduction to memory elements. Classification of sequential systems
      2. R-S, D and D flip-flops with asynchronous R-S inputs
      3. VHDL flip-flops
      4. Registers and their characteristics
      5. PI/PO registers
      6. Registers with serial shift: SI/SO, SI/PO and PI/SO
      7. Commercial registers
      8. Design of control signals in registers
      9. Register design problems
      10. Registers in VHDL
      11. Introduction to counters
      12. Design of synchronous counters
      13. Extending the counting capacity
      14. Counters in VHDL
    2. Topic 7. Introduction to sequential systems (7 sessions)
      1. Introduction to sequential systems
      2. Definition of state machines
      3. Design of state machines
      4. Implementation of state machines
      5. State machines in VHDL
  4. Part IV. Synchronous Sequential Systems
    1. Topic 8. Sequential Systems I (6 sessions)
      1. Design of Synchronous Sequential Systems with Additional Hardware
    2. Topic 9. Memories (5 sessions)
      1. Types of Memories
      2. Random Access Memories: RAM and ROM
      3. Sequential Access Memories: LIFO and FIFO
      4. Content Access Memories: CAM
      5. Exercises
    3. Topic 10. Sequential Systems II (9 sessions)
      1. Design of Synchronous Sequential Systems with Memories

Methodology: 

The subject structures its learning from a pedagogical point of view, in four levels, trying to align with Dr. Norman Webb's theory on the four levels of depth of knowledge (Dok):

1. Remembering: theory of the subject

2. Skill/concept: individually simulating our designs

3. Strategic thinking: designing circuit diagrams according to requirements

4. Extended thinking: individual practice of integrating the concepts learned

The methodology used in the Introduction to Computers subject combines lectures with classes with active methodologies, as well as a large number of continuous assessment exercises that the student must solve alone or cooperatively with classmates or the teaching team of the subject. The contents acquired in the face-to-face classes are reinforced with the completion of group practices, which are delivered during the course. In this subject, the eStudy platform is used as a means of communication between the student and the teacher. The materials needed throughout the course (manuals, exercise proposals, exam statements, support content, etc.) are published on this platform.

Evaluation: 

SUBJECT EVALUATION

The subject evaluation is organized into four quarters (Qi) and is carried out through a system that combines theory, with continuous evaluation (ACQi) complemented by an individual final exam (EFQi) and practice (Pi), developed in groups with an individual interview.

FINAL SUBJECT GRADE

It is made up of 70% TEOFINAL (>=5) + 30% PRACFINAL (>=5)

THEORY ASSESSMENT

For each quarter (Qi), the theory evaluation is obtained with exercises (EAC) in each topic within the continuous evaluation (ACQi) and the exams at the end of the quarter (EFQi).

ACQ1 = 0.2 EACT1 + 0.4 EACT2 + 0.4 EACT3; ACQ2 = 0.5 · EACT4 + 0.5 · EACT5

ACQ3 = 0.55 · EACT6 + 0.45 · EACT7; ACQ4 = 0.4 · EACT8 + 0.2 · EACT9 + 0.4 · EACT10

TEOQi = MAX(EFQi, 0.7 · EFQi + 0.3 · ACQi)

If TEOFINAL = 0.2 · TEOQ1 + 0.2 · TEOQ2 + 0.2 · TEOQ3 + 0.4 · TEOQ4 >= 5, the theory is approved for the current course.

EVALUATION OF PRACTICES

Four practices will be carried out throughout the course. The final grade for the internships (PRACTFINAL) will be obtained from the weighted average of the internship grades (QPi), according to the following formula:

If PRACTFINAL = 0.1 · QP1 + 0.3 · QP2 + 0.2 · QP3 + 0.4 · QP4 >= 5, the internships are approved for the current course.

JULY RECOVERY

If the grade of 5 is not achieved in TEOFINAL or PRACFINAL, it will have to be recovered in the extraordinary July exam.

Evaluation Criteria: 

The following will be assessed:

AC.1 Basic knowledge of digital technology and its components as well as how to design digital systems.

AC.2 The design and use of systems, components, processes or experiments to achieve the established requirements and analyze and interpret the results obtained.

AC.3 The identification, formulation and resolution of technology-based problems that require a digital system.

AC.4 The use of systems design techniques and tools for development from their inception until they begin to function.

AC.5 Knowledge in the use of digital systems simulation tools.

AC.6 Understanding the architecture of a personal computer and the knowledge and know-how to use it in an engineering project environment.

AC.7 The knowledge to design combinational and sequential digital electronic circuits, including programming using hardware description languages.

Basic Bibliography: 

ITC Teachers (2024) Introduction to Computers Notes. La Salle Engineering - Ramon Llull University

Angulo, J. M. (1991) Electrónica Digital Moderna. Teoría y Práctica. [12ª Edición Corregida y Ampliada]. Madrid. Editorial Paraninfo S.A.

Additional Material: 

Enoch O. Hwang, (2005). Digital Logic and Microprocessor Design With VHDL. CL Engineering

Palaniappan, R. (2011). Digital systems design. Bookboon.

Roth Jr, C. H., & Kinney, L. L. (2013). Fundamentals of logic design. Nelson Education.