FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Computer
Architecture
EEL 4713/5764, Fall 2005 Dr. Michael Frank
Introductory Lecture
Overview of Computer Architecture
What’s it all about?
Course Administrative Matters
Overview of Syllabus, Course Objectives
Grading Policies & Procedures
First Homework out – Due Tue., Sep. 6 (Time Permitting) Begin Chapter 1
What’s Computer Architecture?
Architecture (in general) =
Design of a functional structure
Computer Architecture (CA) =
Design of the logical structure and
functional organization of a computer system.
Especially its CPU and associated components
Computer Architecture does not traditionally include
other aspects of computer system design…
Enclosures, styling, packaging, applications, power supplies, cooling systems, peripheral devices…
What is a Computer?
A computer is (most generally) any information processing system!
Today, this almost always
means a digital system…
Though simple analog computers do exist…
Also, today we usually mean a general-purpose,
universal, or at least programmable computer
Although a wide range of non-programmable digital
components exist that perform fixed functions
These could be considered simple special-purpose computers
Not Just
This!
Types of Computers
In this course, a “computer”
could be anything from the simplest embedded
microprocessor…
…to the largest
supercomputer!
We will discuss architectural
techniques for parallel
computing if time permits…
Intel 4004 (1971) (4-bit, 740 kHz)
Levels of Computer Architecture
Computer architects may deal with design Computer architects may deal with design
elements at a variety of different levels…
elements at a variety of different levels…
Custom logic circuit & functional-unit designs.Custom logic circuit & functional-unit designs. CPU datapath pipelines, memory hierarchies.CPU datapath pipelines, memory hierarchies. Instruction-Set Architectures (ISAs)Instruction-Set Architectures (ISAs)
Or other programming models.Or other programming models.
Special compiler & operating system support.Special compiler & operating system support. Multiprocessing systems, interconnection Multiprocessing systems, interconnection
networks, distributed systems...
Processor example: Intel Itanium 2
(McKinley) 64b Processor • 221 million transistors! (~US adult population) • How are they used?
• What will we do as
transistor counts grow?
Dual-Core CPUs
Course Administrative Matters
Go over syllabus:
Objectives, Outcomes, Grading Policies
Go over course website:
Slides, Assignments, Submission Procedures
First homework available right after class!
Covers Ch. 1: Review of combinational logic.
Course Instructional Objectives (CIOs)
CIO # Mnemonic Description Relevant bookChapters
1. Metrics Calculate and interpret different performance and cost metrics of
computer systems. Chapter 4
2. AsmML Derive machine code from assembly instructions. Chapter 5
3. CAsm Derive assembler code from an equivalent C code representation. Chapters 6-7
4. FP-rep Calculate and interpret IEEE standard binary floating-point number
representations. Chapters 9,12
5. Ctl/DF Analyze the control and data flow within a single-cycle CPU and/or
arithmetic logic unit when executing specific instructions. Chapter 13
6. Mult/Div Design and implement multiplication and division algorithms. Chapter 11
7. McycDP Analyze a multicycle datapath of a microprocessor. Chapter 14
8. Cache Analyze and compare different cache architectures, and/or identify
the most suitable cache design for a given need. Chapter 18
9. Contemp Explain or analyze contemporary issues in computer architecture. Part 7
Program Outcomes (POs) and
The Course CIO-PO Matrix
ECE Program
Program Outcomes: Students graduating from the
BSEE and BSCpE programs will have:
(a) Apply: An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics,
science, and engineering;
(c) Design: An ability to design a system, component, or
process to meet desired needs;
(e) Solve: An ability to identify, formulate, and solve
engineering problems;
(i) LLL: A recognition of the need for, and an ability to
engage in life-long learning;
(j) Contemp.: A knowledge of contemporary issues; (o) Topics: (EE) A knowledge of electrical engineering
applications selected from the …digital systems… areas. (CpE) A knowledge of computer science and computer engineering topics including … computer architecture.
Each outcome is assessed through…
3 = an examination or quiz problem requiring individual
effort by the student.
2 = a HW assignment, project assignment or laboratory
Grading Scale & Weightings
Scale: A ≥ 90%, B ≥ 80%, C ≥ 70%, D ≥ 60%
Rigid; no curves, exceptions, or rounding!
The overall course grade is determined as the
weighted average of the following items:
Grading Category Undergrads Grads
Attendance and participation 5% 5% Homework assignments and small projects 10% 10% Short papers (U) or research project (G) 5% 15%
Midterm Exam #1 25% 20%
Midterm Exam #2 25% 20%
Your Assignment for Today is…
Sign the attendance sheet before you leave. Sign and turn in a prerequisite form before
you leave.
Get the textbook from the bookstore ASAP. Get on the course’s Blackboard site ASAP. Download homework #1.
