Course - Computer Architecture - TDT4260
TDT4260 - Computer Architecture
About
Examination arrangement
Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Passed / Not Passed
| Evaluation | Weighting | Duration | Grade deviation | Examination aids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School exam | 100/100 | 3 hours | D |
Course content
Computer architecture, trends, and quantitative principles. Instruction-level parallelism, out-of-order scheduling, branch prediction, thread-level parallelism, VLIW and examples. Memory hierarchy design. Multiprocessors, thread-level parallelism, synchronization, and multithreading. Graphics processors units (GPUs) and accelerators. Hardware security and side-channel attacks such as Spectre and Meltdown.
Learning outcome
Knowledge: - The student should have a detailed understanding of how high-level building blocks like different varieties of processors, caches, interconnects, etc. should be assembled into a complete computer system. - The student should have a detailed understanding of the construction and mode of operation of modern memory systems. - The student should be familiar with hardware security measures like trusted execution environment. - The student should have a detailed understanding of how multiple processor cores can be assembled into parallel computer architectures. This includes homogeneous and heterogeneous multicore processors and multiprocessors. Skills: - The student should be able to evaluate architectural choices with simulators and draw sensible conclusions based on these studies. - The student should be able to differentiate between general purpose CPUs, general purpose graphic processing units (GPGPUs), and application specific accelerators in terms of their specific advantages and disadvantages. General competence: - The student should be able to leverage his/her knowledge of computer architecture in development projects at all levels of abstraction.
Learning methods and activities
Exercise, mini-project, report writing, peer-evaluation.
Compulsory assignments
- 2 assignments and 2 peer evaluations
Further on evaluation
Compulsory assignments: Assignment 1, Assignment 2, Peer Evaluation 1, Peer Evaluation 2 need to be approved to get access to the exam.
In the event of a re-sit exam, the examination form may be changed to an oral examination.
The exam will be in English. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English when answering questions on the exam.
Recommended previous knowledge
The student is expected to have document knowledge in the construction and functionality of simple processors by, e.g., taken the course TDT4160 Computers and Digital Design, or equivalent.
Course materials
Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, by John L. Hennessy, David A. Patterson. Morgan Kaufmann. Eventually additional text announced at the start of the semester. All teaching materials will be in English.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIF8064 | 7.5 | ||
| DT8803 | 7.5 | AUTUMN 2008 |
Version: 1
Credits:
7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level
Term no.: 1
Teaching semester: SPRING 2025
Language of instruction: English
Location: Trondheim
- Computers
- Computer Systems
- Informatics
- Technological subjects
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Computer Science
Examination
Examination arrangement: School exam
- Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
- Spring ORD School exam 100/100 D 2025-05-08 15:00 INSPERA
-
Room Building Number of candidates SL310 blå sone Sluppenvegen 14 44 - Summer UTS School exam 100/100 D INSPERA
-
Room Building Number of candidates
- * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"