This module looks at the way in which modern computer architectures have developed and are continuing to develop. In particular, the module examines mechanisms that have been developed to enhance the performance of processors, such as instruction level parallelism and the handling of branch instructions.
The history of the architecture of microprocessors is examined and new concepts and directions in computer architecture are explored, for example novel and special-purpose architectures.
The module covers quantitatively modern techniques in memory systems design including error-correcting codes, RAID systems, and advances in recording technology (with specific reference to trends in audio-visual systems).
Other ways in which the performance of computers has been enhanced are covered; for example, advances in cache systems, bus technologies, and graphics and multimedia accelerators.
The module also explores ways of increasing the performance of processors by means of pipelining and speculative execution.
As the performance of a computer system is strongly dependent on memory technology, the module also covers high-performance storage systems based on optical and magnetic technologies.
On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to
Assessment is by examination.
Computer Systems is a pre-requisite for this module.