01 csa assignment questions

Computer Systems Architecture of 5

Introduction:

Computer system architecture is focused on describing the structure and behavior of the different functional units of general computer. In this module we study in detail how those functional units interact with each other to provide the processing service to the user. We learn the concepts of hardware components that are interconnected to form a computer system and the various hardware operations that are carried by the hardware parts at each level of processing. Computer architecture is a vibrant and ever changing field; this assignment will attempt to convey that to students.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this group assignment is to provide an understanding of the principles underlying the structure of computer hardware by illustrating and developing an understanding of the various engineering, scientific and economic tradeoffs necessary in the design and implementation of computer systems (LO01). Additionally, this assignment emphasizes the ability to work within a team and to respond to the challenging requirements through cooperative activity (LO02).

Instructions:

1. The assignment consists of THREE (3) questions.2. Working in groups of THREE (3), you will select only ONE (1) of these questions.3. Each question is in multiple parts and must be divided equally among the team

members.4. No marks will be awarded for the entire assignment if any part of it is found to be

copied directly from printed materials or from another student.5. All submissions should be made on or before the due date.6. Any late submissions after the deadline will not be entertained. 7. Zero (0) mark will be awarded for late submission, unless extenuating circumstances

are upheld.

Level 1 Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology 2013

COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE (CSA)Assignment Cover PageTotal Marks 50%

http://apiit.edu.my/


Questions:

In groups of THREE (3), select ONE (1) question from the list below.

Question 1: General Architecture

The microprocessor is the heart of any normal computer, whether it is a desktop machine, a server or a laptop. A microprocessor - also known as a CPU or central processing unit - is a complete computation engine that is fabricated on a single chip. Each member of your group will select and investigate one of the following:

A. Discuss the major trends affecting microprocessor performance and design in recent years.

B. What are the major differences between microprocessor design goals for desktop, server, and embedded systems?

C. The frequency of the microprocessor is often used to compare the performances of different personal computers. For example, An Intel Core i3 2.3 GHz PC is supposed to be faster than an Athlon 2.0 GHz one. This method however does not always hold, especially among computers from different manufacturers. Instead, a method called benchmarking is widely used. You are to research the various types and uses of benchmarking programs available.

D. As a group, you will use the knowledge acquired from your lectures and additional readings, to select a computer in the two scenarios below. List any assumptions you made when justifying your selection e.g. computer use. i) A has a 3GHz processor and 512 KB cache, whereas B has a 2GHz processor

with a 3 MB cache. Both have the same size and kind of RAM clocked with 1333 MHz. Which of the two computers would you prefer and why?

ii) You have the choice of buying two different computers X and Y. X has an ALU that is twice as fast as normal while Y has two ALUs at the normal speed. Which of the two computers would you prefer and why? If any part of your answer depend on aspects of the software being run (e.g., Instruction level parallelism), explain how.



Question 2: Buses

If you’ve ever opened up a computer and looked inside or read the specifications for a system, you’ve probably heard terms like PCIe, SATA, SCSI, EISA, or even NuBus mentioned when discussing the computer’s bus. Your group will select a computer system (e.g. x86, AMD K*, Mac etc) and investigate the major types of buses found in the system. Each member of your team will select and investigate one of the following

A. bus characteristics:i) bus width, bus speed, ii) the different types of buses and bus linesiii) advantages/disadvantages of a “bus” to a “network”.

B. bus arbitration: i) purpose of arbitration.ii) how does the arbitration protocol work iii) multiplexing

C. bus topology:i) point-to-point ii) multipoint

D. As a group, you will summarize the results of your research by describing the principle and the benefits of a bus hierarchy formed by these bus types. Your summary will include:i) why a bus hierarchy is required ii) how a bus hierarchy worksiii) additional hardware circuitry required



Question 3: Mobile Computers

Mobile computing has changed the whole environment of human life. Our professional as well as personal lives, today, are all about increased mobility and flexibility. The term mobile computing is a general term related to all computing activities that allow the user of mobile computers to move freely and eliminate the need to stay fixed to a particular location. Many devices are includes in this definition, for example, tablets, smart phones, PDAs, and wearable computers.Use the information acquired from your lectures and additional readings, to explain the following points and link them to the computer architecture you have studied in the class.

A. As a group, explain the principle of mobile computing including details on the technologies behind, classifications, importance, advantages, and disadvantages. OK

B. Select one specific mobile computer (ex, Samsung Tab 2 10.1, iPhone 5, etc) and, each team member will investigate Two (2) of the following:i) CPU specification, features and general architectureii) Instruction Set and Registersiii) Memory architecture/modeliv) Implementation issues (pipeline, coprocessors, form factor.. etc)v) Bus architecture and I/O specifications.vi) Similarities and differences between architecture of this mobile computer and

the general computer architecture that you study in the class.

C. As a group, summarize the results of your research by describing the following:i) Future of mobile computingii) Limitations of mobile computingiii) General conclusion



Assessment Criteria (Marks Breakdown)Group Work : (30%)

Documentation : 10 marksSummary : 15 marksReferences : 5 marks

Individual : (70%)Presentation : 10 marksResearch : 20 marksAnalysis : 20 marksReflection : 20 marks

Guidelines for the Report:Your completed documentation should include the following:

1. Table of Contents2. Gantt Chart3. Work Breakdown Structure (breakdown of tasks among the members) 4. Abstract 5. Introduction6. Chapters/sections 7. Conclusion.8. Frequently Ask Question (FAQ). X9. Minutes of mandatory meetings X10. References.

Submission requirements1. A CD containing an electronic version of the document.

2. Your report must be typed using Microsoft Word with Times New Roman font. Expected length is 2,000 to 3,000 words. You need use to include a word count at the end of the report (excluding title, source code of program & contents pages) Report should be in 1.5 spaces.

3. The report has to be well presented and should be typed. Submission of reports that are unprofessional in its outlook (dirty, disorganized, inconsistent look, varying colored paper and size) will not fare well when marks are allocated.

4. Ensure that the report is printed on standard A4 (210 X 297 mm) sized paper. Paper weight of 80 grams and above is highly recommended. The report should have a one (1”) margin all around the page as illustrated below:

5. All information, figures and diagrams obtained from external sources must be referenced using the Harvard referencing system accordingly.


1 inch

The Typed Text

1 inch

1 in

ch1

inch

1 in

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1 inch 1 inch

01 csa assignment questions

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