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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: 2026-06-01 11:31:03

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

    • Wahlfächer (Von den angebotenen Wahlfächern müssen mindestens zwei Lerneinheiten erfolgreich abgeschlossen werden.)
    • Wahlfächer (Es können auch Lehrveranstaltungen aus dem Master-Studiengang in Informatik gewählt werden. Es liegt in der Verantwortung der Studierenden, sicherzustellen, dass sie die Voraussetzungen für diese Lehrveranstaltungen erfüllen.)
    • Wahlfächer (Von den angebotenen Wahlfächern müssen mindestens zwei Lerneinheiten erfolgreich abgeschlossen werden. Als Wahlfächer für Rechnergestützte Wissenschaften Master gelten automatisch (ohne Anrechnungsgesuch) auch alle Kernfächer/Vertiefungsfächer (aber nicht Wahlfächer!) aus folgenden Studiengängen: Informatik Master Mathematik Master Physik Master Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master Data Science Master Robotics, Systems and Control Master Statistik Master Neural Systems and Computation Master gemäss den angegebenen Abschnittsreferenzen.)
      • Vertiefungen (alle): Wahlfächer (This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen in agreement with your tutor. As an alternative to the elective courses, students may do a second semester project or an internship in industry. Please consult your tutor.)
      • Vertiefung: 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.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (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. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)