After successful completion of the course, students are able to:

- Name at least 3 metrics of performance evaluation of a SoC

- Describe at least two advantage/disadvantage of various SoC implementations (multi-core, reconfigurables, ASIC, and etc.) with respect to other methods.

- List the main advantage and concern regarding dynamic (partial) reconfiguration

- Describe at least two distinctive characteristic of different memory architectures

- List at least two different interconnet technology for on-chip communication and at least two of their applications/distinctive characteristics

- Describe the concept of Cyber Physical SoCs and its main components.

- Name two different major GPU architectures and their difference.

- Explain the concept and advantage of in-memory computation.

- Describe the concept of Self-Aware SoCs and Autonomous SoCs. Also list and two main differences of these systems compared to other emerging technologies.

- List the main advantage and disadvantage of approximate computing.

-Name at least two key aspects of Fault Tolerance and respective design processes.

In this course you will first get familiarized with the basics of SoCs and its design process. This includes the main components, design flow, manufacturing process, chip basics, performance metrics and floor planning.

You will learn the core concepts and issues of multi-processor systems, pipelining, reconfigurables, dynamic reconfiguration, GPUs, Customized Systems, ASICs, trade-offs and scalability.

Memory hierarchy and in-memory computation will be introduced to you and you will get familiarized with various interconnection issues such as data paths and controls, input/outputs, bus structure and standards as well as the concept of Network on Chip.

You will learn the fundamentals of fault tolerance and hardware security. 

You will be familiarized with the road map and challenges ahead of SoC, future technologies and upcoming concepts such as in-memory computation. You will learn more about CPSoC, self-aware and autonomous SoCs as well as approximate computing. 

Time permitting some additional important topics of the field may be covered as well.

In this course, modern educational methods based on active engagement of students in the classroom and the learning process are used. There are many in-class group activities, including solving examples, discussions, sharing knowledge, and learning by doing (analogical) activities. These activities are designed to keep students engaged and facilitate the learning of core concepts. Students are then expected to further develop their knowledge and skills by studying course material, active research for other materials relevant to the course topics, and sharing knowledge with their peers and classmates.

This course is part of the Embedded Systems Master Programme, and there specifically of the SoC Track. The Institute of Computer Technology also offers other relevant courses.

Please note that based on CoViD-related situations the course may switch to an online format.

- Very short quizzes will be held during the class period (5-10% each).

- Final Written Exam (50%) 

You should have a working knowledge of computer architecture basics. In case of doubt, please contact me in advance for a consultation.