Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2015 - CMPT 250 D100

Introduction to Computer Architecture (3)

Class Number: 8673

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2015
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT/ENSC 150.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course deals with the main concepts embodied in computer hardware architecture. In particular, the organization, design and limitations of the major building blocks in modern computers is covered in detail. Topics will include: processor organization; control logic design; memory systems; and architectural support for operating systems and programming languages. A hardware description language will be used as a tool to express and work with design concepts. Students with credit for ENSC 250 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course addresses the main concepts embodied in computer organization and instruction set architecture. In particular, the organization, design, and limitations of the major building blocks in modern computers are covered. A hardware description language will be introduced as a tool to express and work with design concepts.

Topics

  • Introduction to the hardware description language VHDL
  • Introduction to combinatorial and sequential design techniques using VHDL
  • Processor organization: instruction set design, datapath organization, pipelines
  • Control logic: fixed and programmable designs.
  • Memory Systems: SRAM, DRAM, cache memory, virtual memory
  • Input/Output Interfaces: bus concepts, interrupts, serial I/O, parallel I/O, DMA
  • Introduction to the design of assembly language instruction sets
For a full course description/outline please visit the Computing Science website:  https://portal.cs.sfu.ca/outlines/

Grading

NOTES:

Assignments plus Labs 30%, Tests 20%, Final Examination 50%. (To be confirmed in first week of classes)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books

  • Computer Architecture: From Microprocessors To SuperComp..., Parhami, Behrooz, Oxford Univ. Press, 2005, 9780195154559
  • The Student's Guide to VHDL, 2nd ed., Ashenden, P., Morgan Kaufmann, 2008, 9781558608658
  • Computer Organization and Architecture , 9th Edition, William Stallings, Prentice Hall, 2012, 9780132936330
  • Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, CUSTOM EDITION, M. Morris Mano, Charles R. Kime, Prentice Hall, 2008, 9780558966935, Same book used for CMPT 150.
  • Computer Systems Design and Architecture, 2nd ed, Heuring, V., Jordan, H., Pearson/Prentice hall, 2004, 9780130484406
  • LogicWorks 5: Interactive Circuit Design Software, Capilano Computing, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2004, 9780131456587, Provides schematic simulation and VHDL software for laptops running MS Windows

RECOMMENDED READING:

Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface , David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy , Elsevier Science , 2013, 5th Edition
ISBN: 9780124077263

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS