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6.004 Computation Structures, Fall 2002

Building blocks of a Beta computer.
Building blocks of a "Beta" computer, adapted from lecture 15. (Image by Steve Ward and Chris Terman.)

Highlights of this Course

This course offers virtually all of its materials online, including a complete set of lecture slideslab assignments, and other materials used by students in the course.

» Download the complete contents of this course.

» View this course in Simplified Chinese courtesy of China Open Resources for Education (CORE).

Course Description

6.004 offers an introduction to the engineering of digital systems. Starting with MOS transistors, the course develops a series of building blocks - logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits, finite-state machines, computers and finally complete systems. Both hardware and software mechanisms are explored through a series of design examples.

6.004 is required material for any EECS undergraduate who wants to understand (and ultimately design) digital systems. A good grasp of the material is essential for later courses in digital design, computer architecture and systems. Before taking 6.004, students should feel comfortable using computers; a rudimentary knowledge of programming language concepts (6.001) and electrical fundamentals (6.002) is assumed.

Technical Requirements

Java® plug-in software is required to run the Java® files found on this course site.


Java® is a trademark or registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

 

Staff

Instructors:
Prof. Steve Ward
Prof. Chris Terman

Contributor:
Gill Pratt

Course Meeting Times

Lectures:
Two sessions / week
1 hour / session

Recitations:
Two sessions / week
1 hour / session

Level

Undergraduate

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