Computer Architecture

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ComputerArchitecture

• EEL 4713/5764, Fall 2005
• Dr. Michael Frank
• Introductory Lecture

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Introductory Lecture

• Overview of Computer Architecture
• Whats 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
• Review of Combinational Logic

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Whats 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
• But these are all important in designing
  real-world products!

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What is a Computer?
Not Just?This!

• 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

Medievalastrolabe
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Types of Computers

• In this course, a computer could be anything
  from the simplest embeddedmicroprocessor
• to the largest supercomputer!
• We will discuss architecturaltechniques for
  parallelcomputing if time permits

Intel 4004 (1971)(4-bit, 740 kHz)
Blue Gene/L (2005)(65,536 processors, 136
TFlops, 1MW, 300 tons)
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Levels of Computer Architecture

• Computer architects may deal with design elements
  at a variety of different levels
• Custom logic circuit functional-unit designs.
• CPU datapath pipelines, memory hierarchies.
• Instruction-Set Architectures (ISAs)
• Or other programming models.
• Special compiler operating system support.
• Multiprocessing systems, interconnection
  networks, distributed systems...

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Levels of Design Abstractions
Useful Real-World Products
HW/SW interface
Application Programs
Programming Languages

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
Computer Architecture
Processor microarchitecture
Hardwaredescriptionlanguages
Functional units
Boolean Logic (the digital abstraction)
Logic gates (building blocks)
Device Structures (floor)
Manufacturing Process (foundation)
Physics of the Universe (bedrock)
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• Processor exampleIntel Itanium 2 (McKinley)
  64b Processor
• 221 million transistors! (US adult
  population)
• How are they used?
• What will we do as transistor counts grow?
• Most of chip is used formemories, inst.
  decoding,dynamic scheduling
• Why is it done this way?
• How much more efficient could it be if more
  of area went to actual processing?

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Dual-Core CPUs
Intel Smithfield Pentium D die photo
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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.
• Due next Tuesday, Sep. 6, BEFORE CLASS

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Course Instructional Objectives (CIOs)
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Program Outcomes (POs) and The Course CIO-PO
Matrix

• 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 experiment requiring group effort.

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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

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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 courses Blackboard site ASAP.
• Download homework 1.
• Do it by next Tuesday!