Microprocessor and Computer Architecture Laboratory
This laboratory is jointly operated with the Electronics Laboratory and utilizes its shared facilities. In addition to the existing electronic equipment, the laboratory is furnished with an 8086 microprocessor training kit and a dedicated computer system to support advanced instructional activities.
Purpose:
The primary goal of this laboratory is to design and implement a 4-bit Central Processing Unit (CPU), providing students with practical exposure to the internal structure and operation of a processor. The system is designed to include the minimum hardware necessary for understanding the functionality of CPU components, while maintaining a compact wiring layout that facilitates experimentation and debugging.
In circuit design, Medium Scale Integration (MSI) logic chips are used to construct digital systems at the gate level. The laboratory enables students to implement various instruction sets and to experiment with the architecture and control unit design of a CPU from the ground up.
Core Educational Objectives:
- Understanding the process of implementing a CPU with a custom architecture from the initial stage
- Practical implementation of a microprogrammed control unit in the laboratory
- Familiarity with programmable memories (EPROM/EEPROM) as control memories
- Learning to use Programmer, Eraser, and Tester devices for memory operations
- Acquiring skills in debugging medium‑complexity digital circuits
- Designing micro‑instructions and developing custom instruction sets based on the system capabilities
- Introducing hardware design software, particularly Maxplus II, for digital system design and simulation
