Computer Organization and Architecture

• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
  Studied how processors interpret and execute instructions, with an emphasis on performance implications.

• Computer Arithmetic
  Explored binary operations, ALUs, and how arithmetic units handle calculations at the hardware level.

• Processor Internals & Pipelining
  Designed and analyzed datapaths and control paths, implementing pipelined architectures to improve throughput.

• Memory Hierarchy & System Design
  Investigated cache structures, RAM access patterns, and strategies for minimizing latency and bottlenecks.

• I/O Systems
  Learned how CPUs communicate with external devices, focusing on buses, controllers, and interrupt handling.

• Parallelism & Performance Optimization
  Applied parallel processing techniques and evaluated system performance through simulation and modeling.

• Hardware/Software Co-Design
  Explored strategies for optimizing systems by aligning hardware capabilities with software needs.

• Case Studies
  Analyzed real-world processor architectures and their trade-offs.

Course | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Semester: Spring 2025
Instructor: Dr. Sudeep Pasricha

Course Overview

Technical Scope

This course provided a deep dive into how modern computers are built and operate—from the low-level language a processor understands to the complex flow of data through processing units, memory, and I/O systems. It explored the fundamental building blocks of computer architecture, including instruction set design, arithmetic logic, control units, and memory hierarchy. A strong emphasis was placed on bridging the gap between software and hardware, helping students understand how high-level code is ultimately executed at the circuit level. This perspective is essential for designing and optimizing efficient, high-performance computing systems in both embedded and general-purpose applications.

Final Reflection

This course sharpened my understanding of how hardware and software interact at a fundamental level, equipping me with the ability to analyze and optimize computer systems for real-world applications. The course strengthened my problem-solving skills in designing efficient processors, memory architectures, and I/O systems—all critical for developing high-performance and reliable technology solutions. This foundation prepares me to contribute effectively to roles in embedded systems design, hardware-software integration, and computer architecture development, where a deep technical understanding and practical system-level insight are essential.