IS2202 Computer Systems Architecture 7.5 credits

The course provides advanced knowledge of how a computer works and is constructed from both a hardware and software perspective. Basic terms and concepts within the course:

• Design of computer processors, including superscalarity, application-specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), and custom processor instructions
• Computer memory subsystems, input and output (I/O), caches and advanced cache coherence mechanisms
• Advanced architecture accelerators, such as graphics processing units (GPUs), vector architectures, and systolic arrays
• Performance measurement (benchmarking) of computer architectures at different levels
• Modeling and tools for computer architecture

After passing the course, the student should be able to

• account for the basic quantitative principles of computer design
• explain the function of modern processors such as superscalarity, dynamic scheduling of instructions, and parallelism
• explain how modern accelerators with vector, graphics, and systolic architectures work
• explain the design and function of a memory hierarchy for the above mentioned microprocessors
• describe how simulation can be used to evaluate different architectural alternatives
• design a superscalar microprocessor with parallel computational pipelines 
• propose and design a modification to a processor architecture that potentially provides improved performance
• empirically compare and contrast different architectural decisions with one another in terms of performance and against standard criteria.

Knowledge and skills in programming, 6 credits, equivalent to completed course DD1337/DD1310-DD1319/DD1321/DD1331/DD1333/DD100N/ID1018/ID1022.

Knowledge in computer technology/computer architecture, 6 credits, equivalent to completed course EP1200/IS1200/IS1500.

Knowledge in digital system design and verification with hardware description languages, 4 credits, equivalent to completed course IL2234 or completed exam module LABA or TEN1 in IL2234.

Knowledge in computer organisation corresponding to IS1200 Computer Hardware Engineering.

• TEN2 - Written Exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• LAB2 - Laboratory Work, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Johnny Öberg

Artur Podobas

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Students who have not completed LAB1 from a previous version of the course can report it up to and including the academic year 2027/2028.

Students who have not completed TEN1 from a previous version of the course can be examined on TEN1 up to and including the academic year 2027/2028.

In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see: http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.

Access to own computer.