COSC - Computer Organization and Architecture

This test will cover material in appendix A (Digital Logic and Circuit Design). Material from chapters 1 and 2 will NOT be covered on the test.

1. Basic Logic functions (sections A.1 and A.2)
   • Be able to construct a truth table or logic diagram from a boolean expression
   • Be able to construct a truth table or boolean expression from a logic diagram
   • Be able to construct a boolean expression or logic diagram from a truth table
   • Be able to determine if a boolean expression and logic diagram and truth table all represent the same combinational circuit (are they equivalent?).
   • You do NOT have to memorize what the gates look like. They will be given to you.
2. Minimization of Logic Expressions (sections A.3 and A.4)
   • Given an expression, be able to put it in its SOP form and minimize it using the rules of binary logic
   • You do NOT have to memorize the rules, they will be given to you
   • Be able to convert and expression to one that only uses NAND gates
3. Multiplexors (section A.10)
   • Be able to explain and describe where multiplexors are used
   • Be able to design a simple multiplexor for a given situation
4. Decoders (section A.9)
   • Be able to explain and describe where decoders are used
   • Be able to design a simple decoder for a given situation
5. Adders, Flip Flops, Counters and Shift registers, and other stuff
   • Understand the basic operation of each of these
   • Understand the issues involved in each type of adder (carry propegate and carry lookahead)
   • Be able to describe how each type of adder works
   • Understand the concept of a "gate delay" and how it effects processing
   • Given a specific situation and a specific circuit, be able to explain how the circuit performs the desired operation

I tend to ask two types of questions on tests in this class. I will usually have you work a few problems similar to your homework problems (minimize a circuit, build a decoder, etc.). I will also likely ask a few short answer questions that ask you to apply what was covered to a specific situation (Why would you use each type of adder in a given situation?). You can expect 5 to 9 problems and questions on the test.