Computer Architecture 1: Introduction

Course Faculty

Course Schedule,
Notes and
Assignments

Grading &
Classroom Policies

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Meeting Times and Place

Wed	0800-0915	Rowan Auditorium (Lecture)
Thu	0800-0915	Rowan 239 (Lecture)
Wed	1230-1515 1530-1815	Rowan 227 (Lab Section 1) Rowan 227 (Lab Section 2)

Course Description in Catalog

The first course in computer architecture covers principles of computer systems design focusing on hardware elements in bused architectures. It also introduces techniques of large-scale digital systems design.

Semester Hours: 2

Prerequisites:Digital II (0909-242)

General Course Objectives

• After completing this course, the student should be able to:
• Describe the major functional elements of CISC and RISC architectures.
• Perform detailed analysis and synthesis of combinatorial and sequential digital (sub)systems using schematic and/or behavioral design capture with simulation.
• Describe principles and applications of the three basic computing elements: CPU, MEM, I/O.
• Use an embedded system that includes diverse architectural features.
• Apply analytic techniques to predict and verify performance metrics.
• Design an example architecture using state-of-the-art synthesis tools.

Texts

• M. Morris Mano and Charles R. Kime. Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, 2nd Ed. Prentice-Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2000.
• Z-World CM7100 Core, Rabbit, etc. documentation set (available as on-line HTML media)
• The Practical Xilinx Designer Lab Book, Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1999.
• (Reference) D.A. Patterson and J.L. Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface, Morgan Kaufmann: San Francisco, CA, 1994.
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Course Faculty

John L. Schmalzel 
OFFICE: ROW 214
 PHONE: 256-5332
 E-MAIL: schmalzel@rowan.edu
 OFC. HRS: tbd and by appointment

Shreekanth A. Mandayam
OFFICE: ROW 228
PHONE: 256-5333
 E-MAIL: shreek@rowan.edu

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Grading & Classroom Policies

GRADING: 50%: Homework/Recitation, Exams; 50%: Lab, Project & Presentation

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Carefully monitor dates if you plan to exercise your option to withdraw from the course.

HOMEWORK POLICY: Homework and other assigned work is due when assigned; acceptance of late work is solely at the discretion of the instructor.

WORK FORMATS: A mixture of technical reporting formats will be used including written, code-based, and oral.

COMPUTER USAGE: The computer skills to be applied in the course include (i) standard productivity tools (WP, SS, PP); (ii) computer-aided design capture; (iii) simulation; (iv) development of custom application code (HLL and LLL); and (v) the use of application software.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: In keeping with published policy (see p. 28 of the 1998-2000 Rowan Undergraduate Catalog), attendance is required because substantial in-class material is presented and attendance is needed to develop teamwork and cooperative learning skills, and to accomplish project work. The instructor must be notified in advance of the class for an excused absence.

SAFETY: Attention to good safety practices is of critical importance. Safety will be stressed throughout this course. You will receive rules and guidelines that must be followed. Failure to follow safe laboratory practices can lead to accidents that can endanger you and other students. Your grade will be reduced if you fail to follow proper safety procedures and you may be denied access to lab facilities.

TEAMS: Course work will be performed using a combination of individual and collaborative efforts.
 

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