Computer Architecture

Introduction to Computer Systems. Central Processing Unit organization and architecture
(CISC/RISC). Organization of Memory types. Memory Hierarchy. Input-Output. Cache Memory.
Datapath and CPU Control. Interrupts and CPU support. Storage Systems. Multicore architectures.
Performance of Computer Systems. Microprogramming. Pipeline. Reliability Issues. Branch
Prediction. Out of Order execution. Superscalar. VLIW
Laboratory assignments of x86 assembly language programming.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
• the CPU types,
• the architectural mechanisms for increasing CPU speed,
• the CPU datapath,
• the CPU pipeline,
• the input/output mechanisms,
• the peripheral interconnection to the CPU,
• the data buses,
• the cache memory operation,
• the CPU control using assembly instructions
From the laboratory assignments, students will gain the abilities to:
• use the layer of assembly programming,
• understand the benefits and drawbacks of using assembly
language,
• develop and debug assembly programs,
• understand all x86 assembly constructs,
• understand input/output techniques in the x86 world,
• understand how to manipulate strings,
• use the software and hardware interrupts,
• create interrupt handlers,
• to visualize graphic elements using assembly.

Digital Design (not compulsory)

The final grade is the sum of the laboratory grade and theory grade.
The Maximum for these grades is 5, totaling both in 10. The students
have to pass the Laboratory (at least 2.5/5) and Theory (at least
2.5/5), and also be present at the 85% of the laboratory sessions.
Theory Examination (max 5 grades)
• Multiple Choice Questions Examination – 3
• Theory Exercises – 2
Lab Examination (max 5 grades)
• Labpoints (completing code challenges) - 2
• Semester Project - 2
• Lab Examination (code writing) - 1

1. Stallings William, Οργάνωση και Αρχιτεκτονική Υπολογιστών, ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ Α. ΤΖΙΟΛΑ & ΥΙΟΙ Α.Ε., 2011. ( https://service.eudoxus.gr/search/#a/id:18548668/0 )
2. PETER NORTON, JOHN SOCHA, ΤΟ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΤΗΣ ASSEMBLY ΓΙΑ ΤΑ PC, ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΚΛΕΙΔΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ ΕΠΕ, 1994. ( https://service.eudoxus.gr/search/#a/id:13923/0 )
3. DAVID A. PATTERSON, JOHN L. HENNESSY, ΟΡΓΑΝΩΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΣΧΕΔΙΑΣΗ ΥΠΟΛΟΓΙΣΤΩΝ: Η ΔΙΑΣΥΝΔΕΣΗ ΥΛΙΚΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΛΟΓΙΣΜΙΚΟΥ, ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΚΛΕΙΔΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ ΕΠΕ, 2010. (https://service.eudoxus.gr/search/#a/id:12561945/0)
4. Hammacher Carl, Vranesic Zvonko, Zaky Safwat, Οργάνωση και αρχιτεκτονική ηλεκτρονικών υπολογιστών, Εκδόσεις Επίκεντρο Α.Ε, 2007. (https://service.eudoxus.gr/search/#a/id:15120/0)