Objectives:
Computer architecture is a vibrant and ever changing field; this assignment will attempt to convey that to students. The primary objective of this group assignment is to provide an understanding of the principles underlying the structure of computer hardware by illustrating and developing an understanding of the various engineering, scientific and economic tradeoffs necessary in the design and implementation of computer systems. Additionally, this assignment emphasizes the ability to work within a team and to respond to the challenging requirements through cooperative activity.
Instructions:
Questions:
In groups of three (3), select one (1) question from the list below.
Question 1: General Architecture
The microprocessor is the heart of any normal computer, whether it is a desktop machine, a server or a laptop. A microprocessor -- also known as a CPU or central processing unit -- is a complete computation engine that is fabricated on a single chip. Each member of your group will select and investigate one of the following :
A. Discuss the major trends affecting microprocessor performance and design in recent years.
B. What are the major differences between microprocessor design goals for desktop, server, and embedded systems?
C. The frequency of the microprocessor is often used to compare the performances of different personal computers. E.g. a Pentium 133MHz PC is supposed to be faster than a Pentium 75MHz one. This method however does not always hold, especially among computers from different manufacturers. Instead, a method called benchmarking is widely used. You are to research the various types and uses of benchmarking programs available.
D. As a group, you will use the knowledge acquired from your lectures and additional readings, to select a computer in the two scenarios below. List any assumptions you made when justifying your selection e.g. computer use.
Question 2: Advanced Architecture
The performance of modern CPUs is intrinsically tied to its architecture. Over the past half century, there have been many major advances in CPU design that have dramatically improved performance.
A. Each member of your group will select and investigate one of the following architectures:
Your research may include the following :
B. As a group, you will summarize the results of your research by producing a table comparing
of the three approaches
Question 3 : Memory Architecture
A computer usually consists of different types and performance levels of memory. Your group will select a computer system (e.g. x86, AMD K*, Mac etc) and investigate the three major types of memory found in the system i.e. registers, cache and RAM. Each member of your team will select and investigate one of the following :
A. the use of registers in a modern computer. Your research may include the following :
B. the use of cache in a modern computer. Your research may include the following :
C. the use of RAM in a modern computer. Your research may include the following :
D. As a group, you will summarize the results of your research by describing the principle and the benefits of a memory hierarchy formed by these memory types. Your summary will include :
Question 4 : Buses
If you've ever opened up a computer and looked inside or read the specifications for a system, you've probably heard terms like PCI, ISA, EISA, or even NuBus mentioned when discussing the computer's bus. Your group will select a computer system (e.g. x86, AMD K*, Mac etc) and investigate the major types of buses found in the system. Each member of your team will select and investigate one of the following
A. bus characteristics:
B. bus arbitration:
C. bus topology:
D. As a group, you will summarize the results of your research by describing the principle and the benefits of a bus hierarchy formed by these bus types. Your summary will include :
Guidelines for the Report:
Your completed documentation should include the following:
Document the results of your group's work in a professional and systematic manner, in the form of a computerized report.
The total word count of the report should range from 2500 to 3000 words. You must include a word count at the end of the report. The report should be in 1.5 spacing, with an appropriate cover sheet. It shall be comb-bound, with a clear plastic sheet on the front page. Students are required to include the student marking matrix as the first page of their document.
