Course
Description:
In this course, we will study the principles of computer system design.
In particular, we will cover topics including instruction set design,
Register Transfer Level
(RTL) machine description, data-path design, controller design, caches
and memory systems, addressing, microprogramming, computer
arithmetic, and survey of real computers and microprocessors
The centerpiece of the course is a series of computer system design lab
projects. We will learn where are the design tradeoffs, such as
complexity vs. performance, and techniques to address the tradeoffs.
Lab projects involve the design and implementation of several key
computer components.
Prerequisites:
CPEG323. Understanding and experiences of programming with MIPS ISA.
Basic logic designs.
Textbooks:
Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface,
Third Edition
by David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy. (Required)
Circuit Design with VHDL
by Volnei A. Pedroni. (Recommended)
Laboratory
Information:
133 Evans Hall – 16 SUN Workstations
132 Evans Hall – 26 XP/Linux Workstations
140 DuPont Hall – 24 XP Workstations
Coursework:
- Writing assignments. Tentative plans call for 2 to 3 writing
assignments. These are individual
assignments, which means students are not allowed to share codes or
writings with others.
- Lab projects. Students are
encouraged to form teams with two or three students, though individual
projects will be allowed with instructor approval. For every project, a
team should submit a project report, together with code and other
documentation. At the end of the semester, every team member will
review the contribution and the effort of every other team members. The
peer reviews contribute 10% of the final grade.
Grading
Policies
Homework: 10%
Test 1: 15%
Test 2: 15%
Lab projects: 50%
Peer review: 10%
Late
Policy
Late submission will be penalized on an hourly scheme.
Up to 1 hour late, -15%
Up to 2 hours late, -40%
Up to 3 hours late, -70%
Zero grade after 3 hours.
Honor
Code
You are expected to abide by the honor code. Collaborations on any
assignment is unacceptable. Any violation of the honor code will
result in a zero of the assignment/exam, and may result in an F for the
class.