Principles of Microprocessors

The main aim of this book is to provide a single text that can be used for both undergraduate electronic engineering and computer science/engineering courses which teach basic hardware and software design of microprocessor systems. The book can also be used as a supplementary or main text for the teaching of inter- or cross-disciplinary courses where microprocessor techniques form only a part of a core curriculum. As the book contains a simulation of the processor described, it will be useful in remote learning situations, or for self-study. The book is completely self contained, therefore students with no previous knowledge of digital hardware and/or no software experience will be able to use the text with ease. Selected chapters may be ommitted without losing continuity. These chapters are identified. The book covers the main characteristics of commonly available SSI and MSI chips and their use in implementing boolean functions. This theme is continued in later chapters when the structure of LSI chips used in the design of complete microprocessor systems is presented.
The techniques needed to implement correctly structured programmes are also discussed, presenting sound methods of producing, maintainable, low level code. A balance is achieved between both hardware and software aspects of systems design. A unique feature of the text is that the description of the microprocessor is based on a software simulation provided with the book and designed to run on the most commonly available computers. This "microprocessor" is used as the basis for describing the main design principles. Not only does the simulator provide a realistic model of a typical microprocessor but also the environment in which the students may find themselves when programming real systems. In order to support the students activities in the real world, most chapters present manufacturer's data on actual chips, to illustrate the discussion or to demonstrate the trade offs that are involved in any design. This theme is continued, in the final chapter, with the presentation of a series of real processor architectures in terms of the simulated processor. This book is intended for students in electronic engineering, computer studies and computing science.