The subject gives an overview of the input/output subsystem (I/O) of a computer and the most important devices that compose it. The first chapters are devoted to studying the functions of this block, the communication with the rest of the computer blocks (CPU and memory) as well as the different synchronization and data transfer techniques. The most important parameters used to measure system performance are also introduced and analytical techniques are developed focusing on selecting the architectures and techniques enabling the optimal system-level performance.
The following topics are devoted to the study of the architecture of the most important computer I/O subsystems, mainly visualization and data storage systems, as well as some common interfaces used in these systems.
The final part introduces the I/O bus concept (including a detailed study of the USB bus) and studies the architectures and technologies used in some commonly used peripheral devices (touchscreen, printer, etc.).
Titular Professors
Basic knowledge of logic design, computer architecture and programming in high-level languages (C).
This course aims to help students understand the structure and role of the Input/Output subsystem within the broader context of computer architecture, building on the foundations established in introductory computer systems subjects and complementing the perspectives offered by operating systems courses providing an architectural and hardware?oriented view.
It seeks to develop the student's ability to analyze how I/O components interact with CPUs, memory, and software layers, and to apply architectural principles to real devices and subsystems.
The subject supports the degree’s goal of forming professionals capable of integrating hardware and software considerations in coherent system designs. Through this lens, the course enhances the student’s capacity to reason about performance, efficiency, and system?level behavior in modern computing environments.
1. INTRODUCTION – THE INPUT-OUTPUT (I/O) SUBSYSTEM
1.1 Input/output (I/O) subsystem
1.2 Classification of I/O devices
1.3 Structure of I/O devices
1.4 CPU interface
1.5 Synchronization techniques
1.6 Data transfer handling
1.7 I/O system design and performance measurement
1.8 Software interface
2. DATA VISUALIZATION SUBSYSTEM
2.1 Definition and technologies of display devices
2.2 Architecture of the controller
2.3 Interfaces for display devices
3. DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Magnetic hard disks (HDD)
3.3 Controller and interfaces
3.4 Solid State Devices (SSD)
3.5 RAID systems
4. INPUT-OUTPUT DEVICES
4.1 Introduction
4.2 USB bus
4.3 Keyboard
4.4 Mouse
4.5 Touch screens
4.6 Printers
The subject is taught through master classes in which visual material (PowerPoint presentations) is used for the presentation of the theoretical contents. The structure and content of the material are designed, not just for class teaching usage, but also to facilitate further study of the subject and reinforcement of key concepts by the student. The consolidation of the theoretical content and its application in real environments is achieved through a set of Labs that students must implement on a development platform for devices with ARM architecture. Additionally, the students have a collection of problems solved and commented on for each one of the subjects taught. Both the material used in class and the problem collections are available on the Moodle platform (eStudy).
The subject is assessed through two exams (control point and final) and three practices that students must deliver throughout the course.
The exams provide the subject theory grade, which accounts for 60% of the final grade. In a similar way, the assessment of the practices provides the grade for the practical part, which accounts for the other 40% of the final grade.
To pass the subject it is necessary to obtain a theory grade equal to or higher than 4 and a practical part grade equal to or higher than 5, and that the weighted average according to the percentages mentioned in the previous paragraph be equal to or higher than 5.
Failure to submit all the practices, regardless of the average grade obtained from the grades of the practices presented, results in a grade for the NP subject.
The understanding of the fundamentals of design and modeling of computer input/output systems.
The understanding of the architectures, technologies and techniques used in computer input/output systems.
The correct interpretation of the requirements and design objectives of computer input/output systems.
The ability to identify the different alternatives available to meet the requirements and/or design objectives of computer input/output systems.
The ability to correctly model the evaluation criteria of the different alternatives in order to achieve these design requirements and/or objectives.
The ability to design the basic architecture of the different functions of the input/output block of the computer.
The accuracy of the calculations and the correct interpretation of the results obtained.
Clarity and structure in the presentation of procedures and solutions.
D. A. Patterson and J. L. Hennessy, Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, 1st ed. San Mateo, CA: Morgan Kaufmann, 1990.
J. L. Hennessy and D. A. Patterson, Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, 5th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier, 2011.
D. A. Patterson and J. L. Hennessy, Organización y diseño de computadores, la interfaz hardware/software. Madrid: McGraw Hill, 1995
J. C. Mallinson, The Foundations of Magnetic Recording, 2nd ed. Academic Press, 1993
R. Micheloni, A. Marelli, K. Eshghi, Inside Solid State Drives, 2nd ed. Springer, 2018
None.