Computational Foundations II

What it is about

You learn how computers are built from the hardware up: electronic digital circuits, fundamental building blocks of computers, and simple microcontroller systems. Building on that, you explore low-level programming for real-time and embedded systems as well as special hardware (e.g. GPUs, FPGAs) and how software design and distribution principles also help in such environments.

What you will be able to do

• Understanding digital circuits and basic building blocks (clock generators, flip-flops, adders)
• Knowledge of simple microcontroller-based computers (Atmel/Arduino) and bus systems (I2C, SPI)
• Ability to low-level program in real-time and embedded domains
• Use of special hardware (GPUs, FPGAs) and related programming paradigms
• Applying design patterns from distributed systems and object-oriented programming without language support
• Awareness of software quality aspects: performance, resource sharing, safety, safety-criticality, fault tolerance

What the module consists of

• LectureConveying the theory of electronic digital circuits, microcontroller architectures, and software concepts
• ExercisesApplication and deepening of the lecture content through practical examples and discussion

Teaching method

• LectureIntroduction and explanation of concepts
• PresentationStructured presentation of content and examples
• DiscussionClarification of questions and deepening through interaction
• ExercisesPractical application and consolidation of knowledge