Computer Architecture II: Specialized

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 second course in computer architecture treats architecture elements of special-purpose digital systems. Use of macro functions is stressed.

Prerequisite of Computer Architecture I required.
 

Semester Hours: 2

Prerequisites:Computer Architecture II (0909-443)

General Course Objectives

After completing this course, the student should be able to:
• Focus on the development of specialized digital system architectures for applications such as DSP, wireless, image processing, networking, and multimedia applications.
• Develop techniques for simplifying complex algorithms and architectures so as to minimize total system real estate.
• Employ advanced functional- and macro-modules to the design of large-scale digital systems in a large-capacity FPGA development environment. Utilize modeling software such as VHDL or Verilog.

Texts

• M. Morris Mano and Charles R. Kime. Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, 2nd Ed. Prentice-Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2000.
• (Reference), William Stallings, Computer Organization and Architecture, 5th Edition, Prentice-Hall, 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: 25%: Presentation; 50%: Labs;  25%: Exams.

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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