Study Web

Week 1

Resources you need

COS10004 Computer Systems · Lecture 1.2 – Resources you need

• Digital Circuit Design:

  • Logisim
  • Assembly Programming
  • Raspberry Pi
  • And associated hardware
  • FASMARM assembler
  • Summary

SOFTWARE – DIGITAL LOGIC SIMULATOR

  • Logisim “Evolution” logic simulator (2.14.6)
  • Download from:

https://github.com/reds-heig/logisim-evolution

  • Cross-platform with Java (OpenJDK >= 9) installed

RASPBERRY PI

WHY RPI?

  • A real computer – not a microcontroller
  • Has a real stack
  • 32-bit registers, 64-bit support
  • Quad-core
  • Can install Linux, RISCOS, XBMC
  • ARM architecture (just like your phone)
  • Heaps of projects / tutorials out there
  • Useful for hacking projects
  • Cheap

MATERIALS

  • Raspberry Pi Models you can work with:
  • 2B, 3B, 3B+, 4 (all variants)
  • Note Rpi 4 has micro HDMI ports
  • $50 – $100 (RPi has different memory options)

EXTRAS

  • Plastic case
  • cheap on e-bay
  • Heat sinks
  • Power supply
  • Could try a phone charger
  • SD card – class 4 or 10, 8GB
  • NOOBS distribution (free at https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/)
  • Needed for later:
  • USB keyboard
  • USB mouse?
  • USB to microUSB cable
  • Display:
  • HDMI cable + TV
  • HDMI to DVI cable
  • (for typical computer screen)
  • No essential labs need a screen

LAB KIT FOR (FOR WEEKS 6 AND BEYOND)

R PI PROJECT KITS (FOR WEEKS 6 AND BEYOND)

SOFTWARE – RASPBERRY PI OS

  • We will also be coding some ARM assembly within the Raspberry Pi OS
  • Needed for Weeks 8+
  • A more detailed video lecture will explain everything you need for these weeks

FASMARM ASSEMBLER

  • We will write bare metal assembly code using FASMARM:
  • Simple IDE and assembler
  • V1.43 downloadable for Windows and Linux from

https://arm.flatassembler.net

  • Will also be made available on Canvas

RECOMMENDED READING/RESOURCES

  • A list of recommended reading and resources is given on Canvas
  • Special mentions:
  • Nisan, H; Schocken, S. The Elements of Computer Systems, MIT Press 2005.
  • Plantz, R: Introduction to Computer Organization: ARM Assembly Langage Using the Raspberry Pi

SUMMARY AND NEXT LECTURE

  • The resources you will need for his unit are important:
  • RPi and associated hardware (get onto this early)
  • Software:
  • Download and install it
  • Post issues to Discussion Board
  • Next Lecture:
  • What is a computer and some historical context