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Computer System Design

Advanced Concepts of Modern Microprocessors

Per Stenström

In this computer science course, you will learn advanced concepts underpinning the design of today’s multicore-based computers. Additionally, you will learn how design decisions affect energy efficiency and performance.

Overall, topics include fundamentals on exploiting parallelism among instructions such as out-of-order execution, branch prediction, exception handling and advanced concepts of memory systems including prefetching and cache coherency. These concepts are fundamental for future computer systems to maximize compute efficiency.

You will also engage with a community of learners with similar interests to share knowledge.

The course is derived from Chalmers’s advanced graduate course in computer architecture. Prospective students should have a foundation in basic computer design, as offered by, for example, in “Computer System Design - Improving Energy Efficiency and Performance.“

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What's inside

Learning objectives

The anatomy of a multicore-based computer
Advanced design concepts used in future multicore-based computers

How computer design affects how energy-efficiently and fast a program can execute on future computer systems
How taught design concepts are used in modern multicore-based computer systems

The anatomy of a multicore-based computer
Advanced design concepts used in future multicore-based computers
How computer design affects how energy-efficiently and fast a program can execute on future computer systems
How taught design concepts are used in modern multicore-based computer systems

Syllabus

Week 1: Instruction and thread-level parallelism and models for parallel and out-of-order execution (1 hour)

Multicore systems: It is all about parallelism. Fundamentals.

Microarchitecture fundamentals.

Memory systems fundamentals.

Performance fundamentals.

Energy fundamentals.

Putting it together.

Week 2: Speculative execution = OoO + branch prediction + Exception handling (1 hour)

Baseline model and out-of-order completion.

Tomasulo algorithm: step 1.

Tomasulo algorithm: step 2.

Branch prediction.

Exception handling.

Speculative execution.

Week 3: Advanced topics on cache design (1 hour)

Fundamentals of memory design.

The 3C model.

Replacement algorithms.

Prefetching algorithms.

Memory systems (DRAM).

Memory systems (Virtual memory and virtualization).

Week 4: Multicore design: multithreading and cache coherence (1 hour)

Multicore design challenges.

Multithreading fundamentals.

Multithreading design alternatives (fine/course, SMT).

Cache coherence concepts.

Interconnection concepts.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores computer design concepts, which are highly relevant to advanced computer engineering

Taught by Per Stenström, who is recognized for their work in the field of computer design

Derived from Chalmers's advanced graduate course in computer architecture

Provides a strong foundation for learners interested in deep expertise in computer design

Builds on the prerequisites of Computer System Design - Improving Energy Efficiency and Performance

Requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Computer System Design: Advanced Concepts of Modern Microprocessors with these activities:

Organize and review course notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Solidify your understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials regularly.

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Gather all course notes, assignments, and quizzes
Organize the materials into a logical structure
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your learning

Review 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach' 6th Edition

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Review a classic textbook on computer architecture to strengthen your foundational knowledge.

View Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition:... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3: Introduction, Instruction-Level Parallelism, and Instruction-Level Pipelining
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises for Chapters 1-3
Summarize the key concepts in Chapters 1-3 in your own words

Join a study group to discuss multicore architecture concepts

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Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding and gain diverse perspectives.

Browse courses on Parallel Computing

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Find or create a study group with other students enrolled in the course
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, solve problems, and share ideas

Five other activities

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Follow tutorials on cache coherence protocols

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Enhance your understanding of cache coherence protocols through guided tutorials.

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Identify reputable online tutorials on cache coherence protocols
Follow the tutorials and take notes on the concepts and techniques
Apply the concepts to solve problems related to cache coherence

Solve leetcode problems on instruction-level parallelism

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Practice applying concepts of instruction-level parallelism through coding challenges.

Browse courses on Branch Prediction

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Identify leetcode problems related to instruction-level parallelism
Solve the problems using techniques such as branch prediction and instruction pipelining
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Create a compilation of resources on multicore architecture

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Deepen your understanding and broaden your knowledge base by compiling a collection of valuable resources.

Browse courses on Parallel Computing

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Identify and gather high-quality resources on multicore architecture, such as research papers, articles, and videos
Organize the resources into a logical structure
Share the compilation with your peers or the online community

Attend a workshop on advanced computer architecture

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Gain hands-on experience and insights from experts by attending a specialized workshop.

Browse courses on Parallel Computing

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Identify and register for a reputable workshop on advanced computer architecture
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and hands-on activities
Follow up after the workshop to reinforce your learning

Design and present a multicore-based computer architecture

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Deepen your understanding of multicore architecture by designing and presenting your own system.

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Research different multicore architectures
Design your own multicore architecture, considering factors such as core count, cache size, and interconnection network
Create a presentation to explain your design and its advantages

Career center

Learners who complete Computer System Design: Advanced Concepts of Modern Microprocessors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Architecture

A Computer Architect designs and develops the overall architecture of computer systems. They work on the design, implementation, and optimization of computer hardware and software. This course provides a comprehensive overview of advanced computer design concepts essential for working on multicore-based computer systems, which is an essential foundation for a Computer Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architecture

Computer Hardware Engineer

A Computer Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer hardware components. They are responsible for ensuring that hardware components meet performance, reliability, and cost requirements. For a Computer Hardware Engineer, a solid foundation in computer architecture and design is essential. The course "Computer System Design: Advanced Concepts of Modern Microprocessors" provides a comprehensive overview of advanced computer design concepts essential for working on multicore-based computer systems used in modern devices like smartphones and laptops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. While this course is more focused on hardware design, it could still be helpful for a Software Engineer who wants to gain a deeper understanding of computer architecture and design principles. This knowledge can help a Software Engineer write more efficient and effective code by understanding how the hardware executes their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist conducts research and develops new computing technologies. This course is a good starting point for someone who wants to learn about advanced computer design concepts. The course will cover topics such as instruction-level parallelism, branch prediction, exception handling, and cache coherency. A Computer Scientist can benefit from this knowledge when designing or researching new computing systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst studies an organization's current computer systems and procedures and designs new systems that will meet the organization's needs. This course can help a Systems Analyst better understand the hardware and software components of computer systems, which can be helpful when designing and implementing new systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. This course can provide foundational knowledge in computer architecture for an Information Security Analyst, helping them understand how computer systems work and how to identify and mitigate potential security threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to extract meaningful insights. This course could be helpful for a Data Scientist who wants to gain a deeper understanding of how computer hardware and software work together to process and analyze data. This knowledge may be helpful when developing data-intensive applications or designing data analysis pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Network Architect

A Network Architect designs and implements computer networks. This course can provide foundational knowledge in computer architecture for a Network Architect, helping them understand how computer systems work and how to design and implement efficient and reliable networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

IT Manager

An IT Manager plans, implements, and manages an organization's computer systems and networks. This course can help an IT Manager gain a deeper understanding of computer architecture and design principles. This knowledge can be helpful for managing and maintaining an organization's computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst tests and evaluates software applications to ensure they meet quality standards. This course can help a Quality Assurance Analyst understand how software applications interact with computer hardware. This knowledge can assist in designing and executing effective test cases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. While this course is focused on hardware design, it could be helpful for a Web Developer who wants to gain a deeper understanding of how the internet works and how to design and develop websites and web applications that are efficient and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates technical documentation, such as user manuals and white papers. This course can help a Technical Writer gain a better understanding of computer hardware and software, which can help them write more accurate and informative documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains an organization's databases. This course can help a Database Administrator gain a better understanding of computer hardware and software, which can help them manage and maintain databases more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and designs solutions to improve business processes. This course may be helpful for a Business Analyst who wants to gain a deeper understanding of computer hardware and software, and how to design and implement solutions that meet business needs.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager manages the development and launch of new products. This course may be helpful for a Product Manager who wants to gain a deeper understanding of computer hardware and software, and how to develop and launch successful technology products.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Computer System Design: Advanced Concepts of Modern Microprocessors.

Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition

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Comprehensive textbook on computer architecture, covering a wide range of topics relevant to this course, including instruction-level parallelism, memory systems, and multicore design.

Computer System Design

Advanced Concepts of Modern Microprocessors

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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