This book proposes an intuitive method to understand the basic computer
architecture with simple tools using spreadsheets to realize it progressively.
Readers can even go further and create their own tools. This computer architecture
learning method starts with the NMOS transistor from which gates are
constructed, then used to create more complex circuits. The Von Neumann
machine is presented as a typical example with the basic addressing methods
and data/control paths. All is created and tested with the active help of the
reader. The assembly language concept is introduced as well as the two-pass
assembler. The translation of a high level language program into assembly is
shown. More sophisticated mechanisms as programmed I/O and interrupts are
also covered.
This book and associated exercices and labworks, is intended for beginners
or Bachlor/Master students in computing science, and for future teachers of
computer architecture.