Over the last two decades, many computer science (CS) degree programs have reduced their emphasis on the teaching of digital systems. Such changes often occur under the assumption that hardware-related matters are more relevant to computer engineering programs, and that software can be developed effectively without detailed knowledge of the underlying hardware. I find it encouraging to note that this trend may be changing; there is a growing recognition that, in many practical situations, an understanding of computer architecture is essential.

In this paper, the authors describe work undertaken to develop a microprocessor-based system that is intended to give students first-hand experience of how hardware and software systems interact. While this system has been designed to support teaching in computer engineering, the authors recognize the importance of this approach in CS.

The system developed employs a standard Terasic field programmable gate array (FPGA) board interfaced to a full custom card (this provides a range of analog and digital peripheral devices, input/output (I/O) ports, and so on, together with a second processor). While the paper provides a general hardware overview (including a useful architectural diagram), detailed implementation issues are not discussed. Emphasis is instead placed on functionality, coupled with summary details of laboratory training sessions supported by the system. The system supports a light-emitting diode (LED) readout of address and data line status, which can be of great value in helping novice students gain a better understanding of basic concepts. The same kind of output was standard practice during the 1970s and early 1980s.

The design of the system is intended to support courses taught in the first, second, and third years of a degree program. As such, it represents a cost-effective solution, although it is debatable whether the use of a simpler system would not be preferable at the introductory level. It is also interesting to note that the design makes use of a soft-core processor implementation.

Overall, I am left with the impression that this is both an elegant and interesting implementation that could be of considerable value for teaching detailed mechanisms related to software/hardware interaction. However, its value can only be fully assessed by first-hand practical experience using the system.