CS/ECE 552-1: Introduction to Computer Architecture
Spring 2005
Problem Set #0
Due: You don't need to turn it in

The main objective of this problem set is to give you an idea what background you should have before taking this course. Since you are doing lots of logic design for the homework and the project during this semester, it is important for you to go over the basic idea that is covered by problem 1-3. If you have no idea about writing VHDL, start learning it by doing problem 4. Good skill in VHDL makes your life easier when doing the project.

Problem 1

Complementary numbers form the basis of complementary arithmetic, which is a powerful method often used in digital systems for handling mathematical operations on signed numbers. In these systems, negative numbers are represented as the complement of the corresponding positive number. The radix complement [N]r of a number (N)r is defined as [N]r = rn - (N)r. where n is number of digits in (N)r. or it can be a pre-defined number of digits in a given digital system.

Problem 2

In 1849, George Boole presented an algebraic formulation of the processes of logical thought and reason. A Boolean algebra is a closed algebraic system containing a set S of 2 or more elements and the two operators · (AND) and + (OR), for every a and b in set S (a AND b) belongs to S and (a OR b) belongs to S. If there are only 2 elements in S, S = {0, 1}, this formulation is often referred to as switching algebra, which is extremely useful in digital system design. Venn diagrams can be used as graphical description of Boolean algebra.

Problem 3

The state diagram is a graphical representation of a sequential circuit in which the states of the circuit are represented by circles and the state transitions are show by arrows. Each arrow is labeled with the input and the resulting circuit output.

Problem 4

VHDL is a powerful tool for hardware modeling. If you don't know how to use VHDL, you may find some useful links on the course web site. try to model a simple pop machine using VHDL: some suggestions: