BME Course

Computer Architectures

From ISA to multiprocessors — master the hardware that runs your code

Continue Learning Start from Week 1

0/12

Weeks

Topics

Videos

Quizzes

Course Blocks

Block 1

Foundations

0/3 weeks

W1: Introduction & Performance W2: Instruction Set Architecture W3: Pipeline Basics

Block 2

Pipeline & Execution

0/3 weeks

W4: Advanced Pipeline & Hazard Resolution W5: Branch Prediction W6: Out-of-Order Execution

Block 3

Memory Hierarchy

0/3 weeks

W7: Memory Technology W8: Cache Design W9: Virtual Memory

Block 4

I/O & Advanced Topics

0/3 weeks

W10: I/O Systems W11: Storage Systems W12: Multiprocessor & SIMD

Midterm Prep

Practice exam questions mapped to topics with key insights and difficulty ratings

All Weeks

Week 1

Introduction & Performance

This week introduces the fundamental concepts of computer architecture and quantitative performance analysis. We cover the Von Neumann model, the distinction between RISC and CISC philosophies, and the **Iron Law of Performance** that relates instruction count, CPI, and clock cycle time.

2 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 2

Instruction Set Architecture

We study **Instruction Set Architectures** in depth — the contract between software and hardware. Focus is on **MIPS** as a clean RISC example: R-type, I-type, and J-type instruction formats, addressing modes, and the process of encoding and decoding binary instructions.

3 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 3

Pipeline Basics

Pipelining is the key technique for improving instruction throughput. We study the classic **5-stage MIPS pipeline** (IF, ID, EX, MEM, WB), the three types of **pipeline hazards** (structural, data, control), and how pipelining affects CPI and overall performance.

3 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 4

Advanced Pipeline & Hazard Resolution

This week we learn techniques to **resolve pipeline hazards** without stalling: **data forwarding** (bypassing) and **instruction scheduling**. We also study the unavoidable **load-use hazard** that still requires one stall cycle even with full forwarding.

3 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 5

Branch Prediction

Branch instructions create **control hazards** in the pipeline. This week covers **static** and **dynamic branch prediction** techniques, including 1-bit and 2-bit saturating counters, the Branch History Table (BHT), and the Branch Target Buffer (BTB).

3 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 6

Out-of-Order Execution

Out-of-order (OoO) execution allows instructions to execute as soon as their operands are ready, regardless of program order. We study **Tomasulo's algorithm** with reservation stations, the Common Data Bus (CDB), and register renaming to eliminate WAW and WAR hazards.

2 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 7

Memory Technology

This week covers the **technology behind memory systems**: SRAM, DRAM, and the principles of the memory hierarchy. We study how SRAM and DRAM cells work, their timing characteristics, and how memory bandwidth and latency affect system performance.

2 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 8

Cache Design

The **cache** is the most critical level of the memory hierarchy. We study cache organization (direct-mapped, set-associative, fully-associative), address decomposition into **tag/index/offset**, write policies, replacement policies, and the **AMAT** formula for performance analysis.

3 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 9

Virtual Memory

**Virtual memory** provides each process with its own address space, mapping virtual addresses to physical addresses through **page tables**. The **TLB** (Translation Lookaside Buffer) caches recent translations to avoid the cost of page table walks.

3 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 10

I/O Systems

This week covers how the CPU communicates with I/O devices: **programmed I/O**, **interrupt-driven I/O**, and **DMA** (Direct Memory Access). We also study **bus architectures** including synchronous/asynchronous buses, arbitration, and protocols like PCI and USB.

2 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 11

Storage Systems

We study **secondary storage** technologies: Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), and **RAID** configurations. The focus is on performance metrics (access time, throughput, IOPS) and how RAID provides redundancy and performance.

2 topics0 videos1 quiz

Week 12

Multiprocessor & SIMD

The final week covers **parallel architectures**: Flynn's taxonomy (SISD, SIMD, MISD, MIMD), **SIMD/vector processing**, **shared-memory multiprocessors**, and the **cache coherence** problem (MSI, MESI protocols). We revisit Amdahl's Law for parallel computing.

3 topics0 videos1 quiz

Overall Progress

Progress0%

Start your journey! Click on any week to begin learning.