Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CMPT 450 D100

Computer Architecture (3)

Class Number: 5296

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 295 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Principles of the architecture of computing systems. Topics include: superscalar processor micro-architecture, speculative execution, cache and memory hierarchy, multiprocessors, cache coherence, memory consistency, implications of technology on architecture, parallel architectures (multi-threading, GPUs, vector processors).

COURSE DETAILS:

This course teaches the principles of the architecture of computing systems. Topics include: superscalar processor micro-architecture, speculative execution, cache and memory hierarchy, domain-specific accelerators, multiprocessors, cache coherence, memory consistency, implications of technology on architecture, and multi-threading. Students will be required to read original research papers, complete a few homework assignments and a project.

Topics

  • Superscalar Processors and Speculative Execution
  • Cache and Memory Hierarchy
  • Domain-Specific Accelerators
  • Multiprocessors and Parallel Architectures
  • Cache Coherence and Memory Consistency Models
  • Impact of Technology on Computer Architecture

Grading

NOTES:

Tentative Grading Guidelines: Exams: 35%. Homework Assignments: 40%. Project: 25%

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Computer Architecture : A Quantitative Approach
John L. Hennessy and David A. Patterson
Morgan Kaufmann
2012

Available online from SFU Library
ISBN: 9780123838728

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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