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 How Computers Work

Instructor: Gill Pratt

Course Description | Lecture and Course Files | Student Evaluations

Includes the basics of digital logical design, computer organization and architecture including assembly language, processor design, memory hierarchies and pipelining. Students examine the detailed construction of a very simple computer. Problem sets use Beta-Sim, a RISC simulator written by Mike Wessler. A higher level view of a modern RISC architecture is studied, using the Patterson and Hennessey introductory text, from both the programmer's point of view and the hardware designer's point of view. The distinction between RISC and CISC architectures is emphasized.

Text: Computer Organization and Design, Patterson and Hennessey.

Requirements: Two exams and four problem sets.