Micro-Computers and Micro-Processors

1. Explain the architecture and components of a microprocessor.
2. Design and implement assembly language programs.
3. Describe the different addressing modes.
4. Explain the concept of interrupts and how they are handled.
5. Differentiate between various microcomputer architectures.
6. Discuss the principles of microcomputer networking.
7. Explain Direct Memory Access and its benefits.

13 weeks, about 66 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Basic Concept of Microprocessors · 3 hours

     Read the introduction to microprocessors and their role in modern computing systems.. Understand the historical development of microprocessors and their technological innovations.. Attempt the tutor-marked assignment to test your understanding of the basic concepts..

   • Unit 2: Microprocessor Architecture · 3 hours

     Study the architectural design of microprocessors, focusing on the 8085 microprocessor.. Identify and understand the functions of various components such as the control unit, ALU, and registers.. Explore microprocessor interfacing techniques and their importance in system design..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Types of Microprocessors · 3 hours

     Examine different types of microprocessors based on hardware characteristics and application areas.. Compare Intel and Motorola microprocessors, noting their features and applications.. Discuss the differences in microprocessor architectures, including x86 vs. x64..

   • Unit 4: Microprocessors Operation and Functions · 3 hours

     Learn about the different operations a microprocessor can perform, including input/output, ALU operations, and memory access.. Understand the functions of a microprocessor in controlling the CPU and other digital devices.. Review the role of the control unit in directing the flow of operations and data..

3. Week 3Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Assembly Language · 4 hours

     Define assembly language and its benefits in terms of speed, space, and capability.. Understand the format of assembly language instructions and the use of mnemonics.. Study the 8085 assembly language instruction set, including assembler directives and types of instructions..

4. Week 4Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Instruction Set and Addressing Modes · 4 hours

     Classify the instruction set of the 8085 microprocessor into data transfer, arithmetic, logical, branching, and machine control operations.. Explore the different addressing modes, including immediate, register, direct, and indirect addressing.. Practice using various instructions and addressing modes in assembly language programs..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Interrupts · 4 hours

     Define interrupts and their role in interrupting normal program execution.. Understand interrupt priorities and how they are controlled using the IP SFR.. Examine the steps that occur when an interrupt is triggered and how it ends with the RETI instruction..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Input and Out (I/O) Transfer / System Bus · 4 hours

     Learn about input and output devices and their role in transferring data to and from a computer application.. Study the system bus, including the address bus, data bus, and control bus.. Understand how the CPU communicates with memory and I/O devices using the system bus..

7. Week 7Module 3:

   • Unit 1: Basic Concept of Microcomputer · 3 hours

     Define microcomputers and their components, including hardware, operating system, system programs, and application programs.. Explore the microcomputer revolution and the key steps in its development.. Identify the basic blocks of a microcomputer, such as input units, output units, and memory..

   • Unit 2: Microcomputers Architecture · 3 hours

     Understand microcomputer architecture as the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a computer system.. Differentiate between the Von Neumann architecture and the Harvard architecture.. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each architecture..

8. Week 8Module 3:

   • Unit 3: Microcomputers Networking · 4 hours

     Define microcomputer networking and its role in sharing data and resources.. Explore different types of microcomputer networking, including PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN.. Compare host-based networks and client-server networks, noting their application architectures..

9. Week 9Module 3:

   • Unit 4: Direct Memory Access (DMA) · 4 hours

     Understand memory organization and segmentation in microcomputers.. Define Direct Memory Access (DMA) and its role in accessing and transferring data without involving the CPU.. Explore the benefits of DMA and the devices that use it..

10. Week 10Revision

    • Revision · 6 hours

      Review all modules. Work on TMA's. Prepare for Examination.

11. Week 11Revision

    • Revision · 6 hours

      Review all modules. Work on TMA's. Prepare for Examination.

12. Week 12Revision

    • Revision · 6 hours

      Review all modules. Work on TMA's. Prepare for Examination.

13. Week 13Revision

    • Revision · 6 hours

      Review all modules. Work on TMA's. Prepare for Examination.