Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this module is to provide students, who have no previous knowledge of microprocessor systems, with a good understanding of how basic microprocessors work and their architecture. 

This includes developing a sufficient understanding of assembly language to enable them to write and analyze simple programmes. 

The students learn about different data formats such as ASCII, 2's complement and floating point format and are introduced to advanced microprocessor concepts, such as pipelines and Harvard architecture.

Learning outcomes

A. Have a good knowledge of the architecture and functioning of basic microprocessors.
B. Write and analyse computer programmes using the ARM assembly language.
C. Understand the standard formats of floating point number representation in ARM.
D. Understand the process of interfacing microprocessors with memory.

Method of teaching and learning

This module is delivered through lectures, tutorials and programming exercises. 
Problems are embedded in lectures and there are a number of programming exercises that can be completed using ARM emulators that the students can download. Knowledge of the lecture material is tested by the use of the XJTLU student response system.