An Integrated Hardware and Software Approach for Learning Input/Output Subsystems in Computer Systems Design

Authors

  • Guilherme Álvaro Esmeraldo IFCE
  • Edson Barbosa Lisboa IFS
  • Luiz Fernando Morato IFS
  • Cícero Samuel Mendes IFCE
  • Camila Valdez Ribeiro IFS
  • Milena Santos do Nascimento IFS
  • Lucas Fontes Cartaxo IFCE
  • Pedro Silva dos Santos IFS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/ijcae.2020.4838

Keywords:

computer systems design, input/output subsystems, computer simulator, learning support

Abstract

The study of concepts related to the interaction between the system and the external environment is one of the most important aspects of learning in modern computer system design projects, such as those in the Internet of Things, Robotics, and Automation. These concepts are broad and complex, involving aspects such as interfaces, communication channels and protocols, as well as input/output devices, which are often superficially covered in predominantly theoretical classes. Additionally, the literature lacks adequate support from computer simulators, which have been widely used to support the practical application of theoretical concepts. This paper presents a new feature of the Input/Output Subsystem of the CompSim computer simulator, which includes an integrated hardware and software approach to support practical learning processes in the design of the interaction between the computer system and its respective peripherals. The proposed feature includes a standardized input/output interface that automates the connection of new peripherals, whether they are developed in software or with the use of physical electronic components, to the simulated computer system. The proposed approach has been employed in different courses, and the results show that, by allowing the simulation and practical construction of peripherals, the potential of the teaching-learning process in Input/Output subsystems is increased.

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Published

2020-12-01

How to Cite

Esmeraldo, G. Álvaro, Lisboa, E. B., Morato, L. F., Mendes, C. S., Ribeiro, C. V., Nascimento, M. S. do, Cartaxo, L. F., & Santos, P. S. dos. (2020). An Integrated Hardware and Software Approach for Learning Input/Output Subsystems in Computer Systems Design. International Journal of Computer Architecture Education, 9(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5753/ijcae.2020.4838

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