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227-0627-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-INFK , D-MATH

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Applied Computer Architecture

Angewandte Computer Architektur

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Anton Gunzinger

VVZ CR 4.47

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:50

Abstract

This lecture gives an overview of the requirements and the architecture of parallel computer systems, performance, reliability and costs.

Objective

Understand the function, the design and the performance modeling of parallel computer systems.

Content

The lecture "Applied Computer Architecture" gives technical and corporate insights in innovative Computer Systems/Architectures (CPU, GPU, FPGA, dedicated processors) and their real implementations and applications. Often the designs have to deal with technical limits. Which computer architecture allows the control of the over 1000 magnets at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) at the PSI? Which architecture is behind the alarm center of the Swiss Railway (SBB)? Which computer architectures are applied for driver assistance systems? Which computer architecture is hidden behind a professional digital audio mixing desk? How can data streams of about 30 TB/s, produced by a protone accelerator, be processed in real time? Can the weather forecast also be processed with GPUs? How could a fast trading system be set up for the stock exchange? How can a good computer architecture be found? Which are the driving factors in succesful computer architecture design?

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script and exercices sheets.

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Angewandte Computer Architektur	Mon 08:15-12:00 (GLC E 29.1)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Computer Science Bachelor
- Electives (Students may also choose courses from the Master's program in Computer Science. It is their responsibility to make sure that they meet the requirements and conditions for these courses.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Track: Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Computers and Networks", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
  - Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)