Modern computers are becoming highly integrated complex devices. To understand their complex architecture it is not possible to separate the hardware and the software.  So much of the computer hardware design depends on what type of applications the user intends to run and especially the operating system.

This senior level electrical engineering and computer science course is about computer architecture. To provide a focus to the course and some hands on in-depth practical experience we will work closely with the Motorola MC68908GP32 Micro controller and the MicroC/OS-II real-time kernel.  The following texts are required.

The Labrosse book is very unusual in that it contains all the c code for a real time kernel.  Many ports are available for various microprocessors at his web site I will provide a working port for the MOT HC08 we are working with. Go to the www.dchat.ee.unf.edu home page for my AGSLab to find these and other useful links.

The three Motorola books listed provide a typical set of Microprocessor architecture documentation. The Motorola books are well written, specific to our needs, and best of all free. Order your over the web. Also I have ordered some for the class.

There is a lab as part of this course, which is required. We will be systematically working with a professional grade c compiler to generate code for the HC08 chip. The Cosmic compile will also be used to port the OS. Having all the source code for the OS makes it possible to study the OS Real-time kernel and specifically how it controls the HC08 hardware.  We will also develop simple device drivers for our peripheral components.

In the lab you will  construct modern computer peripherals. Build a MicroOsprey08 computer using surface mount components.  The MicroOsprey08 takes daughter board.  You will design your own daughter board for interface to class your project.

Special emphasis will be placed using our embedded MicroOspray08 micro computer to collect real time data, process the data, communicate the data, and display the out put.