Topics covered include instruction pipelines and memory caches to improve computer performance; instruction-level parallelism; machines: superscalar versus VLIW; cache and main memory hierarchy design tradeoffs; compiler optimizations to speed pipelines; low-power computer system design: processor, OS, and compiler support; graphics, DSP, and media processor design; disk I/O system design; interconnections and networking; and introduction to parallel architecture. Advanced topics include asynchronous microprocessors; FPGA-based reconfigurable computing; system on a chip; embedded processors; intelligent RAM and superconducting computers.
Prerequisite
Credits
3 credits
Course Outcomes
Provide a conceptual understanding of how computer hardware and software work.
Introduce students to important classes of software applications such as text editors, spreadsheets, and databases.
Explain the basic architecture and technologies of the Internet.