12856 (v.2) Computer Structures 401

Area:

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

5.0

Lecture:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Laboratory:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Prerequisite(s):

12854 (v.2) Computer Structures 303 or any previous version

Syllabus:

The design process for computer structures. Architectural philosophies - RISC and CISC. Processor performance and measurement. Processor organizations. Exploiting ILP - scheduling, VLIW. Managing data flows. Advanced structures - DA systems.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will gain and understanding of why high performance architectures have evolved in the way they have, what present high performance architectures can achieve and the limitations on their performance and ideas currently being expressed on how to resolve those. They will learn to design techniques for high performance systems and investigate the impact of software, especially compilers, have had on the development of processor technology. In terms of skills students will learn to seek an appropriate balance between the various sub-elements in a high performance design, be able to analyse a design to verify its strengths and weaknesses and practice skill in communicating advanced technical information.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

No prescribed references.

Unit Texts:

Hennessey, J., Patterson, D., 2003, 'Computer Architecture. A Quantitative Approach', 3rd Ed, Morgan Kaufman.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Laboratory 40%. Continuous assessment 30%. Final Examination 30%.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y