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Microprocessor Design Clinic (ELEN90093)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Stan Skafidas
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
Students in this subject will be introduced to computer architectures, microprocessors, microcontrollers, operating systems, compilers and software design. The proposed course will cover a broad range of topics necessary to make students knowledgeable in the art of microprocessor design including advanced concepts such as in line and out of order execution and execution unit resource optimisation. Students in this course will learn to design execution units, arithmetic logic units, memory hierarchies and learn strategies for cache sizing. As part of this, students will become proficient in microcode and instruction set design, multi-processor and multi core theory and design, including new design methodologies such as chiplet design. Upon completion, students will be familiar with the specification and synthesis of microprocessor systems using high level generator languages such as Chisel and Scala. The course will also introduce students to compiler and linker design, enhancements to instruction sets, c-language and the theory of operating systems.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- ILO 1 - Demonstrate a depth of knowledge in microprocessor operation;
- ILO 2 - Articulate the differences in RISC versus CISC systems;
- ILO 3 - Apply knowledge of execution accelerator units to specify requirements to meet system objectives;
- ILO 4 - Design a microprocessor using high level descriptor languages;
- ILO 5 - Evaluate the functionality of the major components of a microprocessor and evaluate performance and design choices in the design of a microprocessor;
- ILO 6 - Critically evaluate the interdependencies between processor instruction sets, compilers, and operating systems and apply subject knowledge;
- ILO 7 - Articulate the major components of an operating system such as Linux and be able to target the operating system so that it can be deployed to a target microprocessor;
- ILO 8 - Critically evaluate design decisions and provide analytical and simulation results to support design decisions.
Generic skills
- Ability to realistically assess the scope and dimensions of a project or task, and employ appropriate planning and time management skills to achieve a substantial outcome;
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance;
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry, creativity, innovation, and self-directed learning;
- Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large;
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment in order to produce a satisfactory project outcome.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
COMP20005 | Intro. to Numerical Computation in C |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
ELEN90066 | Embedded System Design |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AND
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ELEN20006 | Digital Systems | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ELEN30014 | Analog and Digital Electronics Concepts | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Linux Operating System, C-programming, VHDL and/or Verilog, Interrupts, basic Computer architecture concepts.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
One-hour mid-semester test. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-3 are addressed in this assessment.
| From Week 6 to Week 8 | 10% |
Group design/brief report for group of 2-3 students, not exceeding 5 pages, approximately 5 hours of work per student. ILOs 1-3 are addressed in this assessment.
| Week 7 | 10% |
Group design report for group of 2-3 students, not exceeding 30 pages, approximately 40 hours of work per group. ILOs 3-8 are addressed in this assessment.
| Week 14 | 50% |
Oral presentation (individually assessed), 1 hour (per group of 2-3 students) approximately 20-30 minutes per student. ILOs 1-8 are addressed in this assessment
| Week 14 | 30% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Stan Skafidas Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 45 hours (9 hours lectures; 36 hours workshops) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Stan Skafidas
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Engineering Specialisation (formal) Electrical Specialisation (formal) Electrical with Business - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024