EN292S10: Advanced Computer Architecture

 

Professor Iris Bahar
Email: Iris_Bahar@Brown.edu

 

Course Description
  • This class explores current and future directions in processor microarchitecture. We will explore various hardware and software techniques designed to maximize parallelism and improve performance keeping in mind technology trends and limitations. Topics include:
    • Front-end design (branch prediction, instruction fetch, trace caches)
    • HW/SW techniques for exposing more parallelism
    • Memory system design (caching, prefetching)
    • Technology issues (power, scaling, nanotechnology)
    • Chip multiprocessors

  • Class will include a mix of lectures and discussions on assigned readings of recent publications. Students will be responsible for leading and participating in these discussions. A course project that allows students to explore a particular topic in depth will also be required.
  • Prerequisite: EN164 or equivalent
    Graduate or upper-level undergraduate CS and EN students are welcome

 

 

Syllabus Lectures Assignments Papers