Course

Computer Sc - Computer Organization

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

This course, taught by Prof. S. Raman at IIT Madras, delves into the essential concepts of computer organization. Participants will gain insights into:

  • The interaction between hardware and software
  • Processor activities and designs
  • Memory systems and cache organization
  • I/O devices and their evolution
  • Various addressing modes and performance calculations

Students will benefit from problem exercises that reinforce learning, along with in-depth discussions on advanced topics such as virtual memory and DMA. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of how computer systems operate at both the hardware and software levels.

Course Lectures
  • This introductory lecture sets the stage for understanding computing, exploring the basic architecture and fundamental concepts that underpin all computing systems. Students will learn about the significance of computing in everyday life and its evolution over time. Key topics include:

    • The definition and purpose of computing
    • Types of computing systems
    • Historical perspective on computing development

    This foundational knowledge is crucial for grasping more complex concepts in subsequent lectures.

  • This module explores software systems and their role within computing architectures. It discusses various software types, including system software, application software, and programming languages. Key components include:

    • Understanding operating systems and their functions
    • Software development processes
    • Interfacing software with hardware components

    By examining these elements, students will gain insights into how software drives computing performance.

  • This module focuses on the hardware components of computing systems. Students will learn about the physical architecture, including processors, memory, and input/output devices. Key topics covered are:

    • The role of the CPU and its components
    • Types of memory and their functions
    • Hardware interfacing with peripherals

    Understanding these elements is crucial for comprehending how hardware and software work together.

  • This module looks into the activities of processors, detailing the operations performed during instruction execution. Key aspects include:

    • Fetch, decode, and execute cycles
    • Instruction set architecture
    • Processor performance metrics

    Students will learn how processors carry out tasks and the implications for overall system performance.

  • This module introduces the concept of processors as state machines. It explains how processors transition between different states during operation. Key topics include:

    • State machine theory and its application to processors
    • Designing state machines for CPU operations
    • Impact of state management on system efficiency

    Students will gain a deeper understanding of how processors function at a fundamental level.

  • This module covers data path architecture, detailing how data flows within a processor. Students will learn about:

    • The components of data paths
    • Data flow control mechanisms
    • Impact of architecture on processing speed

    Understanding data paths is essential for optimizing processor performance and efficiency.

  • This module focuses on the design of microprogrammed data path controllers. It discusses the role of microprogramming in controlling processor operations. Key topics include:

    • Microprogramming principles
    • Control signal generation
    • Micro instruction formats

    Students will learn how microprogramming improves the flexibility and functionality of processors.

  • This module delves into state machine design, providing an understanding of the principles behind designing effective state machines for control systems. Key aspects include:

    • State machine models and types
    • Design methodologies for state machines
    • Application of state machines in computing environments

    Students will acquire skills to design state machines applicable to various computing tasks.

  • This module examines controller design, highlighting both microprogrammed and hardwired approaches. Students will learn about:

    • Differences between microprogrammed and hardwired controllers
    • Design considerations for each type
    • Performance implications of controller design

    By understanding these concepts, students will appreciate the importance of controller design in computing systems.

  • This module continues the discussion on controller design, providing further insights into specific design techniques and optimization strategies. Topics include:

    • Advanced microprogramming techniques
    • Optimizing controller performance
    • Real-world applications of controller designs

    Students will enhance their understanding of how controller design impacts computing performance.

  • This module introduces typical micro instructions used in processor control. It discusses the format and function of micro instructions and their role in executing higher-level instructions. Key topics include:

    • Micro instruction formats and encodings
    • Execution flow of micro instructions
    • How micro instructions relate to assembly language instructions

    Students will gain insights into how micro instructions facilitate CPU operations.

  • This module explores addressing modes, which are critical for understanding how CPUs access memory. The module covers types of addressing modes and their applications. Key aspects include:

    • Direct vs. indirect addressing
    • Register and immediate addressing modes
    • The impact of addressing modes on performance

    Students will learn how addressing modes affect program efficiency and execution speed.

  • This module provides practical problem exercises that reinforce the theoretical concepts covered in earlier lectures. It includes:

    • Hands-on tasks to apply learned theories
    • Collaborative problem-solving sessions
    • Feedback and discussion to enhance understanding

    Through these exercises, students will solidify their grasp on computer organization concepts.

  • This module consists of additional problem exercises designed to further reinforce learning. It emphasizes:

    • Advanced problem-solving techniques
    • Real-world applications of course concepts
    • Preparation for upcoming assessments

    Students will collaborate to troubleshoot and devise solutions to complex scenarios in computer organization.

  • This module introduces the memory system, discussing its architecture, types, and organization. Key topics include:

    • Memory hierarchy: registers, cache, main memory
    • Static vs. dynamic memory
    • Memory management techniques

    Students will learn about the critical role memory plays in overall system performance and efficiency.

  • This module focuses on CPU-memory interaction. It explores how processors communicate with memory and the underlying mechanisms that facilitate this interaction. Key topics include:

    • Data transfer methods
    • Memory access times and latencies
    • Strategies to enhance CPU-memory performance

    Understanding this interaction is vital for optimizing overall computing efficiency.

  • This module covers cache organization, detailing how caches improve system performance by reducing memory access times. Students will learn about:

    • Cache hierarchy and types
    • Cache hit and miss ratios
    • Strategies for cache management

    By understanding cache organization, students will appreciate its impact on system efficiency.

  • This module continues the discussion on cache organization, delving into advanced topics and strategies for optimizing cache performance. Key areas of focus include:

    • Associative mapping techniques
    • Cache coherence protocols
    • Impact of cache size on performance

    Students will gain insights into advanced cache design and its significance in computing systems.

  • This module introduces the concept of virtual memory, explaining its necessity in modern computing systems. Key topics include:

    • Virtual memory architecture
    • Page replacement algorithms
    • Memory segmentation vs. paging

    Students will learn how virtual memory allows for efficient memory usage and multitasking capabilities.

  • This module continues the exploration of virtual memory, providing advanced insights into its implementation and performance considerations. Key topics include:

    • Managing page tables
    • Effect of virtual memory on system performance
    • Strategies for minimizing page faults

    Students will learn how to optimize virtual memory usage in computing systems.

  • This module discusses performance calculation methods for evaluating computing systems. Students will learn about:

    • Performance metrics and benchmarks
    • Analyzing execution time and throughput
    • Tools for performance evaluation

    By understanding performance calculation, students can assess and enhance system efficiency.

  • This module introduces segmentation, an important concept in memory management. It covers:

    • Segmentation vs. paging
    • Advantages of segmentation
    • Implementation strategies for segmentation

    Students will learn how segmentation enhances memory organization and protection in computing systems.

  • This module covers address translation and protection mechanisms in computer systems. Students will learn about:

    • Address translation techniques
    • Memory protection schemes
    • Implications for software and hardware interactions

    Understanding these concepts is crucial for ensuring system security and efficiency.

  • This module provides insights into programmed I/O, describing how computers interact with peripheral devices. Key aspects include:

    • Programmed I/O operation
    • Advantages and limitations of programmed I/O
    • Comparative analysis with other I/O methods

    Students will understand the fundamental workings of programmed I/O in computing.

  • This module examines interrupt-driven I/O, a method that allows peripherals to signal the processor for attention. Key topics include:

    • Interrupt mechanisms
    • Handling interrupts in operating systems
    • Comparison with programmed I/O

    Students will learn how interrupt-driven I/O enhances system responsiveness and efficiency.

  • This module introduces Direct Memory Access (DMA), a technique that allows peripherals to communicate directly with memory. Key topics include:

    • DMA operation and advantages
    • DMA controller functions
    • Comparison with interrupt-driven I/O

    Students will learn how DMA improves data transfer efficiency and system performance.

  • This module discusses device service routines, which manage interactions between the CPU and peripheral devices. Key aspects include:

    • Types of device service routines
    • Scheduling and priority management
    • Impact on system performance

    Students will learn to develop efficient device service routines for improved computing performance.

  • This module covers the evolution of I/O systems, examining how they have developed over time to meet changing computing needs. Key topics include:

    • Historical context of I/O systems
    • Advancements in I/O technologies
    • Future trends in I/O development

    Students will gain insights into the past and future of I/O systems in computing.

  • This module discusses various I/O devices, their functionalities, and their integration into computing systems. Key aspects include:

    • Types of I/O devices
    • Interface standards and protocols
    • Device performance metrics

    Students will learn the significance of I/O devices in overall system functionality.

  • This module continues the discussion on I/O devices, providing deeper insights into their operation and management. Key topics include:

    • Device management techniques
    • Performance optimization strategies
    • Case studies on I/O device integration

    Students will explore how to effectively manage and optimize I/O devices in computing systems.

  • This module discusses the role of buses in computing systems, detailing how they facilitate communication between components. Key aspects include:

    • Types of buses and their purposes
    • Bus architecture and protocols
    • Performance considerations in bus design

    Students will learn about the critical function of buses in ensuring efficient data transfer within systems.

  • This module continues the discussion on buses, focusing on advanced topics such as bus arbitration and contention. Key topics include:

    • Bus arbitration techniques
    • Contention resolution strategies
    • Impact on system performance

    Students will gain insights into the complexities of bus management in computing environments.

  • This concluding module summarizes the key concepts covered throughout the course. It offers students the chance to reflect on their learning and discuss:

    • The interconnections between various topics
    • Real-world applications of computer organization principles
    • Future learning paths in computing

    Students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of computer organization.