We have entered the late Moore's Law period of computer architecture, as shown by the latest multicore microprocessors. From this point forward, computer design must concentrate on parallel processing, data transfer, and heat management as especially important factors. Studying modern microprocessor design, we will see where performance is created in computer systems, including:
Digital arithmetic
Amdahl's Law
Moore's Law
processor performance
caching
pipelining
error detection and correction
Note: Students will be expected to understand at least one programming language as part of the course.