| CSC/ECE 506 Architecture of Parallel Computers |
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The need for parallel and massively parallel computers. Taxonomy of parallel computer architecture, and programming models for parallel architectures. Example parallel algorithms. Shared-memory vs. distributed-memory architectures. Correctness and performance issues. Cache coherence and memory consistency. Bus-based and scalable directory-based multiprocessors. Interconnection-network topologies and switch design. Brief overview of advanced topics such as multiprocessor prefetching and speculative parallel execution. 3 credit hours |
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Prerequisite |
Courses in computer organization and assembly-level programming. Digital design, probability and statistics, operating systems.
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| Course Objectives | To teach the principles of parallel high-performance computer design and to provide a brief introduction to the programming techniques necessary to use them.
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| Course Requirements | HOMEWORK: Approximately 5 – 10 homework problems will be assigned. EXAMINATIONS: A mid-term exam and a final exam. PROJECTS: One or two short programming projects using OpenMP and/or MPI. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Access to NCSU Unity systems through PuTTY (Windows) or ssh (Mac, Linux, Unix).
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| Textbook | There is no required text book. Reading assignments will be provided from current material through the NCSU library. Supplemental text: Yan Solihin, Fundamentals of Parallel Computer Architecture, Lulu.
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| Computer and Internet Requirements | NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below. PCs must have an Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses. MAC users must have a G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above. For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm
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| Instructor | Dr. Douglas M. Pase
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