The department welcomed Dr. Yap Vooi Voon back to the faculty for a talk on “Building a CPU-Less Computer System.”

Dr. Yap is the former Dean of FEGT and retired in 2021 after 13 years of service at the university. He is currently appointed as the International Collaborative Partner (ICP) of UTAR Global Research Network and Visiting Senior Fellowship at Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom. He holds professional membership as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), UK, and is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET), UK. Dr. Yap has more than 35 years of experience in teaching and research, both locally and internationally, with universities in the UK, Germany, and Taiwan.

Dr. Yap explained the fundamental concepts of computer architecture to the audience. By grasping these architectural principles, individuals can construct computer systems of varying complexities. An illustrative instance of a straightforward CPU-less system is the SAP-1, crafted by Ben Eater and detailed in the book "Digital Computer Electronics" by Albert Paul Malvino and Jerald A. Brown. The SAP-1, tailored for educational purposes, stands as an exemplary model in the aforementioned book, showcasing the application of digital electronics to build and analyze intricate logical systems with digital electronics.

An additional illustration of a straightforward computer system is the Minimal CPU System, designed by Carsten Herting (SLU4). Drawing inspiration from some principles in Ben Eater's 8-bit computer, this system was presented through a demonstration to showcase its capabilities. Dr. Yap Vooi Voon generously provided three PCB boards of this design as gifts, encouraging interested students to delve into its exploration and understanding.

The department expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Yap Vooi Voon for delivering an insightful talk that significantly enhanced our knowledge in the field of computer architecture. The event was attended by members of the faculty and sixty-seven students.