EEE445 COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE I

Course Code:3560445
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:5.0
Department:Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. ALİ MUHTAROĞLU
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

Computers are integrated part of our daily life and jobs. Understanding the interdependent hardware and software layers is essential to the design of a computer, and is critical in generating code to utilize it efficiently. In this course, we will cover the basics of computer system architecture and organization, and associated performance and energy issues. We will study macro-code structures and associated Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) design, single- and multi-cycle processor datapath, hardware- and micro-programmed control concepts. Pipelined processor, memory hierarchy and I/O organizations will be discussed in the last part of the course. The unique skills and approaches acquired in this course are widely applicable to any type of system engineering.


Course Content

Asynchronous logic system. Algorithmic state machines. CPU organization. Construction of arithmetic logic unit. Process control architectures. Instruction modalities. Microprogramming. Bit slicing.


Course Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify components and functions of a computer system organization
  • Understand the current trends in computer architectures, and key factors affecting the performance of computing systems
  • Apply principles in computer instruction set architecture (ISA) design to analyze different ISA specifications in terms of supported data types, provided programming capability and required hardware support 
  • Analyze and design single-cycle and multi-cycle processor datapaths.
  • Acquire a basic understanding of pipelined processors, associated hazards, and solutions to hazards.
  • Apply introductory knowledge of memory hierarchy design concepts to identify fundamental design constraints, and performance interactions.

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Ability to use mathematics, engineering theory and fundamentals of engineering in solving engineering related problems
2An ability to design and analyze Electrical and Electronic systems
3Ability to reach the required information and use that information effectively to solve engineering problems
4Successfully adapt to evolving technologies and stay current with their professions,
5An ability to function and communicate well in multidisciplinary teams

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution