433-313 Computer Design

433-252 Software Engineering Principles and Tools and 431-102 Digital Systems 1

The objective of this subject is for students to be able to describe the components of current computer systems as well as their interactions; to be able to evaluate the suitability of a given computer for a given task; to be able to analyse the effects of architectural features on the efficiency of a given program and of programs in general; and to understand the process of computer design.

Topics covered include memory hierarchy, processor implementation, pipelining, instruction sets, multiprocessors, input/output, performance measurement, and the design process.

Project work (expected to take about 36 hours) during semester and one written examination (not exceeding three hours) at the end of the semester. The project work must be completed satisfactorily to pass the subject. Weighting of assessment components will be advised at the commencement of the subject.