Microcomputer Theory and Servicing, 2nd edition
Authors: Stuart A. Asser, Vincent J. Stigliano, Richard F. Bahrenburg
Venue:  (1993)

From the Book:PREFACE: PREFACE The computer service industry has been growing in geometric proportions for many years. That growth would not have been possible without the bright young minds that have emerged from our schools. The next several years will place an even greater burden on our educational institutions as the need for computer specialists, engineers, technicians, programmers, service personnel, and salespeople continues to grow. Over the past 50 years, remarkable changes have taken place in digital computers. The amount of computational power that once required a roomful of vacuum tubes can now be found in small calculators. Complex calculations that would once have taken days to perform can now be done in seconds. Yet with all these changes, certain fundamental design concepts have remained unchanged. The basic organization and operating design of ENIAC (one of the first digital computer systems) is still used in the supercomputers of today; that is, data bits are retrieved from memory, brought to the central processing unit (CPU) to be operated on, and returned to memory for storage. What has changed is the size and speed of the modern-day computer system. Not so long ago, computers were huge pieces of equipment. They were hidden in antiseptic rooms and were operated by gurus who seemed to speak a different language. The advent of the microprocessor made computer systems available to everyone. Secretaries replaced their typewriters with computers and plastic disks containing word processing programs. Accountants put away their ledger pads in favor of more efficient electronic spreadsheets. Managers are relying less on educated guesses;instead,they are basing their decisions on information gained from the computer's ability to do hundreds of complex calculations almost instantly. Globally, bankers, merchandisers, police, firefighters, and defense and government personnel all use computers. Today, we can't register our car at the motor vehicle bureau or land an airplane at an airport without a computer. Meanwhile, out of the arcades came the video game, introducing millions of American families to the computer as entertainment. Probably the most significant advancement in the past few years is the Internet. Although the Internet has been around since 1969, the Internet we know today as the World Wide Web has existed only since 1993. Remarkably, today there are more microprocessors in the world than people. Due to the widespread use of computers, it has become a serious matter whenever one fails to work. Quick, efficient, reliable, and competent repair is necessary. Most people and businesses cannot afford to have their computer inoperative for extended periods of time. Thus, computer service has become one of the largest segments of the electronics industry today. Microcomputer Theory and Servicing, Fourth Edition, is intended for a one- or two-semester course at two- and four-year colleges and technical institutes. It can also be used for high school electronics programs and industry-based training programs, or as a reference for practicing technicians and engineers. The only prerequisite knowledge is a basic understanding of electrical circuit theory and electronic devices. This edition is designed to take the student from the introductory concepts of microprocessor operation to the analysis and servicing of the complete microcomputer system. The authors are all seasoned computer-service professionals. The emphasis is on the need-to-know information, practical applications, and the fault symptoms and analysis required for computer repair. The text is organized into four parts to allow flexibility in application to different courses and/or different levels. Part I, Essentials of Digital Logic, presents the fundamental concepts of the real-world considerations of digital logic circuits. Part II, Basics of Microprocessors, introduces the microprocessor and its support devices. The Intel microprocessor family is used to present a balanced hardware/software approach to this subject. Part III, Computer Systems and Peripherals, exposes the theory of operation and servicing of various components that together form the microcomputer system. The IBM-compatible PC is used as a representative model of a modern computer system. Part IV, Installation and Service, describes the skills and tools necessary for the setup, installation, and servicing of a microcomputer system. Customer relations as well as diagnostics and troubleshooting are emphasized. The reading level has been kept as simple as possible. A list of key terms is presented at the beginning of each chapter. When a key term is first introduced, it is defined and printed in boldface type. Illustrated examples are presented using a step-by-step method that includes the use of standard units where applicable. The illustrated examples and homework exercises become progressively more challenging as the use of practical examples and circuit values are introduced. Each chapter also contains a crossword puzzle exercise and a section titled Tech Tips and TroubleshootingT3. The crossword puzzle incorporates the key terms found in the chapter and is intended to provide an interesting and entertaining way of building the student's technical vocabulary. The Tech Tips and TroubleshootingT3 section offers realistic examples of what, and why, things go wrong with a computer system and how to fix common problems. It also serves as a chapter summary. The text follows a consistent format and pedagogy. Each chapter contains key terms, an introduction, sequentially numbered equations, illustrated examples, Tech Tips and TroubleshootingT3, homework exercises, and a crossword puzzle. Many illustrated examples, charts, diagrams, photographs, and tables are used to present the material. Parts II, III, and IV of the fourth edition have been completely revised to reflect the rapid changes that have taken place over the past five years in personal computer systems. Chapter 9, which includes an introduction to computer programming, has been revised and expanded into two chapters. Chapter 9 provides a solid introduction to assembly language with an expanded coverage of addressing modes. Chapter 10 is a completely new chapter that guides the student through the steps required to create executable assembly language programs. Microsoft's MASM, A86 (a popular shareware assembler), and DEBUG are presented in detail. Chapter 11 now includes expanded coverage of memory and I/O address decoding as well as a section on building a basic, single-board (a PC board is available) 8088 microprocessor system. The building project is intended to give students practical, hands-on experience that incorporates design, building, and programming. It uses a stage-by-stage approach and is easily expandable. Chapter 12 has been completely rewritten to include coverage of all of the popular microprocessors, chipsets, bus structures, motherboards, and memory. Chapter 13 has been completely revised and updated to include coverage of all of the new storage devices and their interfaces. Chapter 14 has also been completely revised and updated with expanded coverage of peripherals such as video monitors, printers, and modems. An entirely new Chapter 15 provides an introduction to PC networking, including theory, setup, and servicing. Chapter 16 presents a completely new and updated coverage of theory, setup, installation, and troubleshooting. Chapter 17 builds on the previous chapter to cover diagnostic tools and troubleshooting. Both chapters have been completely rewritten and geared to today's PCs. Finally, a section on A+ Certification has been added to Chapter 18. Acknowledgments The development and production of this type of textbook requires the energy and dedication of many individuals. The authors feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the many talented professionals at Prentice Hall, particularly Charles Stewart, Kate Linsner, and Alex Wolf, and Kirsten Kauffman of York Production Services. We also acknowledge the following reviewers for sharing their knowledge and expertise with us in this project: Nasser Hedayat, Valencia Community College; Jeremy Smith, Thompson Institute; and Donald Wade, Nassau Community College. Every author and teacher must learn his or her craft. Our learning began at Queensborough Community College of the City University of New York. We would like to express our deepest gratitude and respect to our colleagues and teachers at Queensborough, particularly Professors Joseph B. Aidala (in memoriam), Robert L. Boylestad, Leon Katz, Gabriel Kousourou, Edward Leff, Louis Nashelsky, and Peter Stark for teaching, guiding, and inspiring us. Finally, the authors especially thank their wives, Diane Asser, Jeanne Stigliano, and Maureen Bahrenburg, for their patience, encouragement, and love during the writing of this book. Stuart M. Asser Vincent J. Stigliano Richard J. Bahrenburg