Advanced Topics in Computer Architecture

Seminar Gerneral Information

• Level: BS/MS
• Credit points: 3
• Semester hours per week (SWS): 2
• Instructor: Sohan Lal
• Time and Localtion: TBA

Desirable Previous Knowledge

An introductory module on basic computer architecture.

Course Description

It is a seminar course where we will study the proceedings of the top computer architecture conferences (such as the International Symposium on Computer Architecture (ISCA), International Symposium on Micro-architecture (MICRO)), covering advanced research topics from several computing architectures such as graphics processors, machine learning accelerators. You will select 2-3 papers as per your interest. You will read, discuss, and present these papers in the class, critically analyzing the main research ideas. A review paper will also be written about the selected papers, thereby learning how to write a paper in the field of computer architecture. The evaluation will be based on paper presentation and review paper. Your participation in discussions is expected and will also be counted towards the final grade.

Course Evaluation

• Papers presentation: 50%
• Review paper: 50%
• The criteria for the evaluation of presentations and review papers will be discussed in the class.

Course Registration and Further Information

Please register for the course on Stud.IP. The registration is mandatory. We will also use Stud.IP for sharing course material such as slides and further information.

• Stud.IP link: TBA

In-class Presentation

A list of starting papers for each topic along with a list of top conferences in computer architecture will be given. You can choose the second and third papers independently, however, it is suggested to discuss the selection of papers with the instructor. When you present papers, be prepared to answer the questions from the instructor and fellow students.

Review

A review paper about the selected papers will be written. The structure of the review paper will be discussed in the class. Each student will review a paper of a fellow student.

Course Outcome

After the course completion, participants can expect to have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and critically analyze the research in the field of computer architecture.

Resources (Optional)

Conferences:

• ISCA: International Symposium on Computer Architecture
• MICRO: Symposium on Microprocessor Architectures
• ASPLOS: Architectural support for languages and operating systems
• ICS: International Conference on Supercomputing
• CGO: International Symposium on Code Generation and Optimization
• DAC: Design Automation Conference
• DATE: Design, Automation & Test in Europe
• PACT: International Conference on Parallel Architectures and Compilation Techniques
• CASES: International Conference on Compilers, Architecture, and Synthesis for Embedded Systems

Books:

• David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy, Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, 5th Edition (Book)