Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Engineering

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Computer Architecture

• Unit Code

  ENS6150

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit introduces students to the architecture and design of advanced computer systems. Interactions between software and hardware and concepts relating to instruction sets and memory management are covered. Additionally various other aspects of computer design including hardware and software support of multitasking, special purpose coprocessors, input/output systems, parallel architectures, and supercomputers are discussed.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded ENS5244

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the architecture and operation of an advanced computer system.
2. Evaluate alternative computer systems.
3. Evaluate the applicability of VLIW computer architectures.
4. Evaluate the impact of VLSI technology on new computer concepts.
5. Explain the concept of a selected I/O system.
6. Explain the concept of virtual machines.
7. Research new developments in computer architecture and reflect critically on their significance to engineering practice.
8. Write short microprograms and assembly language routines.

Unit Content

1. Computer system organisation processors, primary memory, secondary memory, I/O.
2. Memory synchronisation, consistency and coherence in multiprocessor/multicomputer architectures.
3. Parallel computer architecture SIMD computers, shared-memory multiprocessors, message-passing multicomputers.
4. The assembly language level macro definition, assembly process, linking and loading.
5. The digital logic level memory, CPU chips and buses.
6. The instruction set architecture level instruction formats, addressing, instruction types.
7. The microarchitecture level the data path, micro-instructions, micro-instruction control.
8. The operating system machine level virtual memory, virtual I/O, parallel processing.
9. VLIW computer architecture memory protection, translation and virtualisation.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Seminars and laboratories.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

^ Mandatory to Pass

Text References

• ^ Parhami, B. (2005). Computer architecture from microprocessors to supercomputers. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
• Hennessy, J. L. & Patterson, D. A. (2011). Computer architecture: A quantitative approach (5th ed.). New York, NY: Morgan Kaufmann.
• Heuring, V. P., & Jordan, H. F. (2008). Computer systems design and architecture (2nd ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Harris, D. & Harris, S. (2012). Digital design and computer architecture (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Morgan Kaufmann.

^ Mandatory reference

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