Advanced Computer Architectures - Interactive curriculae of TU Ilmenau

Dr. Bernd Däne

Basic knowledge of computer architectures and computer engineering from related Bachelor courses.

Learning outcomes and competencies from the lecture:

Technical competence: Students understand in detail common features, distinguishing criteria, areas of application, structure and operation of microcontrollers and digital signal processors. The students know structure and function mode of selected typical representatives. Students understand the functions of software tools used in typical development processes for microcontrollers and digital signal processors.
Students understand in detail general characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, significance, structure, function and possible applications of the special and innovative computer architectures covered. The students recognize the mode of operation of selected individual functions on the basis of exemplary demonstrations.

Methodological competence: The students are able to analyze the properties and possible applications of microcontrollers and digital signal processors and to assess their suitability for different tasks. Students are able to plan and implement the use of microcontrollers and digital signal processors using manufacturer information. Students should be able to analyze special and innovative computer architectures, evaluate their possible applications, and recognize their classification within the computer architectures covered.

System competence: Students recognize the relationship between architecture and application in the field of microcontrollers and digital signal processors. Students understand the importance of microcontrollers and digital signal processors in the context of the realization of embedded systems.
Students should be able to recognize the diversity and evolution of computer architectures as part of overall technological advancement.

Social competence: Students are able to follow a lecture in a concentrated and attentive manner and to avoid interruptions. They recognize the appropriate times to ask questions.

In addition to lecture, source-based independent study is used as another form of learning.

Learning outcomes and competencies from independent study:

Professional competence: Students have expanded their knowledge of the subject matter covered using source material. They have acquired further individual knowledge and have deepened the knowledge they have acquired in the lecture.

Methodological competence: The students are able to find suitable and reliable information in the literature and on the Internet. They are able to classify the information they find and link it to the knowledge they have already acquired. They are also able to recognize the necessity of a study of sources based on a concrete task or question and to carry this out appropriately.

System competence: Students have deepened their understanding of the classification and significance of the individual architectures discussed within the overall view of computer architectures.

Social competence: The students have a balance between independent, concentrated work and the exchange with others.

Topics of the lecture:

1. Introduction

2. Microcontrollers and Digital Signal Processors

3. Vector Computers 4. Processing in Memory

5. Other Aspects of Control Flow Architectures

6. Dataflow Architectures

7. Neurocomputers

8. Optical Computers

9. Quantum Computing

• blackboard/whiteboard
• slides (video projection)

Online sources for further information (in case of special interest) will be provided in the Moodle course. 

Reading literature is not required in this course.