Course description: EE108b introduces students to the architecture and design of processor-based digital systems. The main topics covered are: instruction sets, addressing modes, data types, assembly language programming, low level data structures, introduction to operating systems, compilers, processor microarchitecture, microprogramming, pipelining, memory systems and caches, input/output, interrupts, buses and DMA, system design implementation alternatives, and software/hardward tradeoffs. The labs involve the detailed design of a processor on a FPGA prototyping system. EE108B replaces EE182, which is no longer offered by the EE Department.