What This Document Is
This is a homework assignment for CPEG 323: Introduction to Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Delaware. Specifically, it’s Homework #2, designed to assess your understanding of processor performance and the fundamentals of single-cycle CPU design. It requires independent work and focuses on applying theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. This assignment is a key component of the course and contributes to your overall grade.
Why This Document Matters
This assignment is crucial for students enrolled in CPEG 323 who are building a foundational understanding of computer architecture. It’s particularly helpful when you’re tackling problems related to CPU performance bottlenecks, instruction execution timing, and the impact of hardware modifications. Working through these types of problems will solidify your grasp of core concepts before moving on to more complex topics like pipelining and advanced processor designs. It’s best utilized *after* attending lectures and reviewing related course materials.
Topics Covered
* Single-Cycle Processor Performance Analysis
* Impact of Hardware Upgrades on Processor Speed
* Instruction-Level Optimization Techniques (loop unrolling, function optimization)
* Datapath Component Latencies and Critical Path Analysis
* Instruction Execution Sequencing
* Single-Cycle Datapath Modification for New Instructions
* Control Signal Determination for Custom Instructions
What This Document Provides
* Detailed problem statements requiring quantitative analysis of processor performance.
* Scenarios involving modifications to processor hardware and their effect on execution time.
* A framework for evaluating the effectiveness of different code optimization strategies.
* A detailed description of a hypothetical instruction ("sw+") and its implementation within a single-cycle datapath.
* A visual representation of a single-cycle datapath to aid in modification exercises.
* Opportunities to practice identifying and applying appropriate control signals for instruction execution.
