Course: Computer Hardware

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Course title Computer Hardware
Course code UAI/609
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study 2
Frequency of the course In each academic year, in the summer semester.
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 6
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Novák Václav, Ing. CSc.
Course content
Lectures: 1. Parts of microcomputer and its applications. Development environment MPLABC - compiler C, debugger. Explanation of microcomputer architecture. Using pragma directives in translation. Compilation of simple program, loading into microcomputer memory. Modification of program parameters. Revision of Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws. LED diodes and their use.   2. Microprocessor inputs, 4x4 matrix, transient elimination circuits, use of debugger to display data from memory in hexadecimal system. 3. Hitachi 16x2 LCD display, its parameters and configuration commands. Display programming. Introduction to interrupt service, setting flags. Basics of measurement with oscilloscope and logic analyzer. Connection of display to microcomputer by means of wires, familiarization with wiring. 4. Introduction to timers, their parameters, interconnection. Oscillators, their use and importance for microcomputers. Programmable counter construction. Test equipment input protection. Parameters of measuring instruments (multimeters), their possibilities and limitations. 5. Methods of analog to digital conversion, limitation of A-D converters, input circuits, design and connection of simple digital voltmeter. 6. Digital to analog converters (1R-2R), pulse width modulation, use of low-pass filters. Demonstration of signal analysis software. Control of DC electric motors, H-bridges 7. Two-wire buses - I2C, SPI, CAN. Using EEPROM memories for realization of own bus design.  Lessons 1-14 will be devoted to work on individual projects in two-member teams. Exercises: Exercises 1-9 will be devoted to work on individual projects in two-member teams 1. The project will consist of introduction, design, implementation (both hardware and software parts), debugging and practical demonstration 2. Each group will have a lecture on the problem of the proposal on a topic from the following areas 1. Sleep mode (low power) - sleep - induce and exit from these states. 2. Real time clock. 3. Multiple signal coding 4. Bipolar and unipolar stepper motors - requirements for stepper motors 5. Circuit design, fundamentals - impedance, capacitance, inductance, coil and capacitor. 6. Using comparators, Schmidt triggers, signal shaping. 7. Fundamentals of signal processing - introduction to fast Fourier transforms 8. Principles of code writing - gambling in circuits. 9. Demonstration of the implemented solution, including a three-page description of the solution, including diagrams and source code listing.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Laboratory
  • Preparation for classes - 150 hours per semester
  • Semestral paper - 20 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The course will introduce students to basic and intermediate PIC ucontroller programming. Emphasis will be given to understanding basic electronic concepts, schematic symbols, HW sensor interface and concept of creating, planning and describing own projects. While the lectures will be in Czech, the literature and all technical terminology will be in English.
In this course, students gain an overview of the connection, programming and control of peripherals. They will learn to use individual parts of the computer to obtain information and control processes.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of C programming and its variants

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance assessment, Seminar work, Interim evaluation

The course assumes the active work of the students in the lab and a concrete project in the area of computers.
Recommended literature
  • Data stránky a poučení z webových stránek Microchip. / Data sheets and tutorials on line at the Microchip site..


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester