PC Platform Overview (DS273)

SynopsisPersonal Computers (PCs) are evolving rapidly since its existence in 1970s. Standard platform architectures, I/O buses, and peripheral devices were defined around the PC. This course provides a high-level understanding of the latest PC platform architecture, from processor, chipset, memory, standard I/O buses, to peripheral devices. This course would also benefit developers or users of industrial computers and advanced embedded controllers, where they share similar platform architecture and I/O buses.

What You Will Learn

• PC platform evolution
• PC processor and chipset architectures
• IA32 operating mode and programming models
• PC peripheral components

Who Should AttendEngineers who design, manufacture, or test PCs and peripheral devices.

PrerequisiteBasic engineering know-how.

Course MethodologyThe participants are first introduced the PC platform evolution to give the overall picture and trends of the PC industry, particularly that involved Intel processor based PC platform.

The participants will then be taught architectural details in PC architecture including processor architectures, chipsets, software operating mode and model, and boot-up process. Various components in PC platform architecture will be discussed then, mainly include memories, PCI, USB, LAN, harddisk interfaces, audio and video interface, latest processors and platform features, and PC power supply. This is to prepare the participants to fit in one of the PC platform design, validation, test, or manufacturing activities. Understanding all the various components of the computer architecture is essential.

Course Duration4 days, 9am - 5pm

Course StructureDay 1
1) Review of PC platform evolution

2) x86 processor architecture overview

• Evolution of x86 microarchitectures

3) PC system architecture - chipsets

4) IA32 operating mode and programming model

Day 2
5) PC booting process and BIOS operation

6) Cache operations

7) Memory system and technologies

• SRAM
• FLASH
• DRAM
• Memory modules (SIMM, DIMM, SPD)

Day 3
8) Overview of PCI and PCI Express

• PCI bus architecture and operation
• PCI bus operation
• PCI Express architecture and PCI Express operation

9) USB interface and operation

• USB 1.1, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0

Day 4
10) LAN interface and operation

11) PATA, SATA and eSATA operation

12) Audio and video interface standard

13) Latest processors and platform features:

• TPM, HECETA, PECI

14) PC power supply and voltage regulator module