Summary of ECE1755

With the advent of multicore processors, we are faced with the challenge of exploiting this ubiquitous multithreaded hardware. This course explores the evolution of modern parallel architectures and programming models, and is divided into two phases. In the first phase we will investigate in detail the design and operation of modern parallel architectures, with a brief look at how they are programmed. This phase will include several homeworks which provide hands-on experience with real parallel machines.

The second phase of the course will switch gears: we will study current research and development of emerging parallel architectures including multicore processors, helper threads, and speculative multithreading; in this phase we will read research papers, and through the class project implement and evaluate new ideas. Students are welcome to suggest topics for class discussion and/or projects.