Computer Architecture

The overall goal of this course is to understand the logical structure of a modern computer, from its basic building blocks to its more complex components. This knowledge is intended to provide the basis for system design and performance analysis, both for hardware and software systems. The concepts learned in this course are also foundational elements for the design of compilers and operating systems.

Contents

Computer systems are a combination of their hardware and software. Whether you intend to design the next breed of microprocessor, the next Java compiler, or the greatest C++ application, a computer scientist is best served by understanding what is going on under the hood of the computer. Why? Simply put, knowing how a program is translated into the electronics allows it to be more efficiently written. This course will address issues such as digital logic, machine representation of data, basic CPU and instruction-set architecture, memory organization, I/O interfaces, and architecture alternatives.

Teaching Mode

This course consists of a theory and a laboratory component. Both components involve classroom sessions and significant amounts of homework. Students are expected to read the assigned readings before class. During theory sessions we discuss remaining questions and problems. The homework assignments of the laboratory component complement the theory and allow students to practice and deepen their skills by solving well-focused problems. During the weekly laboratory sessions we introduce and discuss upcoming homework assignments and we review past assignments to clarify possible misunderstandings. Students can benefit most from this course if they thoroughly prepare for and actively participate in each session.

References

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Structured Computer Organization, 6th Edition (required), Prentice Hall, 2012, ISBN: 978-0132916523.

Editions

ClassSemesterInstructorTeaching Assistant(s)
Computer Architecture 2022 Fall
Computer Architecture 2019 Fall
Computer Architecture 2018 Fall
Computer Architecture 2017 Fall
Enrique Fynn | Pietro Bressana
Computer Architecture 2016 Fall
Computer Architecture 2015 Fall
Giovanni Ansaloni
Computer Architecture 2014 Fall
Computer Architecture 2013 Fall
Michele Papalini | Leandro Pacheco
Computer Architecture 2012 Fall
Grigory Fedyukovich | Valentina Poletti
Computer Architecture 2011 Fall
Computer Architecture 2010 Fall
Computer Architecture 2009 Fall
Jochen Wuttke
Computer Architecture 2008 Fall

USI Search Directory:
http://search.usi.ch/courses?q=computer+architecture

Other Courses

Field Project (MMI)

The Field Project consists in a consultancy study on behalf of a firm, conducted by a group of 2-3 students under the supervision of a professor (“tutor”) for a standard duration of 4 months. The aim of the Field Project is to provide students with: experience in project management contact …

Mobile and Wearable Computing

The widespread use of mobile and wearable devices enables the implementation of novel services in applications areas like, e.g., mobile health, sustainability, smart working, and more. This course introduces the building blocks of such services and discusses the challenges that arise on the path towards their realization. Specific topics covered …

User Experience Design

Usability and the overall User Experience are crucial for the success of any digital product. This course takes a hands-on approach in teaching how to create useful, usable, and (well-)used digital products. Students not only develop an awareness and appreciation of the crucial implications of good interfaces in terms of …

Software Atelier 2: Human Computer Interaction

Software Atelier 2: Human Computer Interaction Goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of human-centered design of interfaces for computing systems. The course starts with an introduction to ethics that investigates the many ways and venues information and communication technologies can be used maliciously. …

Evaluation and Experimentation

Evaluation and Experimentation Computer scientists build complex systems or choose among existing systems to satisfy perceived needs and requirements. The system is then deployed in an environment consisting of humans and other systems. How do we know the impact of the system on the environment and how well it meets …

Computer Networking

The Internet provides global connectivity for applications and end-users. This course aims to convey an understanding of, on the one hand, how common distributed applications such as the world-wide web use the network (the Internet), and, on the other hand, how the network is designed and how it provides its …

Recent News

People-Centered
Computing Group

Profs. S. Santini and M. Langheinrich
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Faculty of Informatics
Via G. Buffi 13
6900 Lugano, Switzerland