Students learn the basic concepts of computer engineering. They acquire the mathematical concepts of number representation and Boolean algebra, which are necessary for the analysis and design of hardware circuits. They learn how the common basic elements of digital technology are constructed and how these can be combined into complex combinational and sequential circuits. Furthermore, students will be able to explain the structure and functioning of common standard circuits, such as adders or shift registers. They will understand the basic concepts of the instruction set architecture of a processor and will be able to create simple assembly programs for a rudimentary model processor.
Students acquire basic knowledge in the field of logic and circuit design. They learn how the functionality of a computer can be broken down into elementary operations, which are then physically realized in the form of logic gates. Students recognize how the desired functional components are designed from these, which require a minimum number of gates. This lays the foundation for corresponding CAE systems. The following topics are covered in detail: basic functioning of a computer; knowledge of the basic logical circuit blocks; technologies for realizing the basic components; knowledge of the most important electrical parameters; number and character representation in different codes; basics of Boolean algebra; methods of simplifying Boolean expressions; use of CAE software; designing combinational circuits; designing sequential circuits; designing synchronous circuits; flip-flops; counters and registers.
Slides, blackboard, exercise sheets
Lecture
Alongside the lecture, students work through several exercises. The tasks come from the areas of number representation, Boolean algebra, circuit design and minimization, standard circuits and microcomputer architecture.
Exercise sheets, blackbord
In-class exercises