COURSE INTRODUCTION

Course code :- 24ECSC201

Course Instructor :- AMEY MUCHANDI

Credits :-  

Course Introduction: Computer Organization & Architecture

This course delves into the fundamental principles underpinning modern computer systems, offering a comprehensive exploration of both hardware and software integration. Key topics include memory hierarchy, input/output mechanisms, interrupts, pipelining, and foundational concepts in parallel processing.

By examining how contemporary computer systems function and interconnect, students will gain a holistic understanding of the intricate relationship between hardware and software. The course emphasizes the development of efficient, scalable, and robust computing systems, equipping future engineers to tackle real-world challenges in system design.

What We’ll Learn :-

• Memory Systems: Dive into memory hierarchy, cache management, and storage organization to optimize performance.

• Processor Design: Explore instruction lifecycles, pipelining techniques, and processor architecture.

• Input/Output Mechanisms: Understand how devices communicate with the system, including interrupt handling and data transfer techniques.

• Parallel Processing: Discover the basics of concurrent computation and how it improves system efficiency.

• System-Level Trade-Offs: Analyze the balance between cost, performance, and complexity in hardware and software design.

Hands-On Experience :-
A unique feature of this course is a practical project where students design a simple processor using advanced simulation tools. This exercise demystifies the internal workings of processors, from instruction decoding to execution, and fosters a deep appreciation for processor design and functionality.

Why This Course Matters :-
By bridging low-level machine operations with higher-level abstractions, this course nurtures a critical systems-thinking approach. Students will develop the analytical skills needed to address trade-offs in system design, including performance, energy efficiency, scalability, and maintainability. The course also introduces emerging trends such as RISC-V architecture, GPU-based parallelism, and the role of hardware accelerators in AI/ML workloads, preparing students to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of computing. Ultimately, this course transforms students into skilled professionals with the tools to innovate and create systems that power the technologies of tomorrow.

Course Outcomes (COs):

1.Acquire basic knowledge in computer fundamentals, performance analysis and interconnection principles in modern computing.

2.Build memory modules to perform I/O operations.

3.Apply Instruction Set Architecture principles to effectively design and implement data path in computer systems.

4.Explain the concept of parallelism with reference to computer performance.

5.Integrate and simulate all modules to develop a complete processor, followed by a comprehensive performance analysis.