Computer Architecture

Catalog description

Modern computer technology requires an understanding of both hardware and software, since the interaction between the two offers a framework for mastering the fundamentals of computing. The purpose of this course is to cultivate an understanding of modern computing technology through an in-depth study of the interface between hardware and software. An overview of computer architecture, which stresses the underlying design principles and the impact of these principles on computer performance will be surveyed. General topics include design methodology, processor design, control design, memory organization, system organization, and parallel processing. Lecture, 3 hours. A complementary lab course allows students to practice and implement topics from lecture.