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Graduate Courses

Computer Engineering

ECE 2120: HARDWARE DESIGN METHODOLOGIES 1, (3 CREDITS) This course teaches modern hardware design processes through use of industry tools. Lectures and a two semester project will teach students how to conceptualize, specify, implement, simulate, manufacture, and test a broad-level design using ASICs and/or FPGAs. High-level design using VHDL/Verilog and design automation tools will enable implementation and imulation of their ASIC/FPGA design. Printed circuit board (PCB) design and layout will also be taught. Students will create PCB designs and assembly plans to interconnect their ASICs/FPGAs. Board-level testing will be performed using logic analyzers and test vectors. Prerequisites: ECE/COE 0142, COE 1502 or permission of instructor.

ECE 2121: HARDWARE DESIGN METHODOLOGIES 2, (3 CREDITS) This course teaches students how to integrate multiple "intellectual Property" (IP) modules to create a larger, more complex architecture. Organized as a full semester project, emphasis is on architectural exploration of digital systems that can be manufactured as a single chip. Students form groups to design and implement different IP-based projects. These projects are synthesized, prototyped and tested using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technologies are explored to determine the design characteristics of the final product. This course requires independent thinking and self-motivation. The majority of the grade will expend on a demonstration of a working prototype and a conference-quality paper that explains the benefits of the architecture. Prerequisite: ECE 2120

ECE 2130: TOPICS IN VLSI CAD, (3 CREDITS) This course introduces state-of-the-art computer-aided design algorithms with applications to VLSI. The course starts with a review of fundamental algorithms, from graph theory, sorting, searching and hashing, and then proceeds to focus on major CAD application areas in architectural, logical, and physical design. Major topics discussed are multiple level combinational logic synthesis and optimization, sequential logic optimization (retiming, clock scheduling), convex optimization and its applications, testing – test pattern generation and design for testability, placement and routing, simulated annealing. Hot current research topics will be surveyed briefly. Prerequisites: ECE 2192, CS 1501 or permission of instructor.

ECE 2140: SYSTEMS-ON-A-CHIP DESIGN, (3 CREDITS) This course is a full semester project involving the entire class in one System on a Chip design experience. This includes requirements definition, high-level design, system specification, algorithm modeling, decomposition, IP selection and/or IP creation for re-use, synthesis simulation and testing. The system will be a true SoC with at least one processor core with associated system and application software. Lectures will be the philosophy of SoC as well as the practical issues involved in the SoC design methodology. State of the art CAD software will be used for design and co-simulation of the hardware/software platform. Prerequisite: ECE 2120 or permission of instructor.

ECE 2141: VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION TECHNIQUES OF DIGITAL SYSTEMS, (3 CREDITS) This course presents state of the art methodologies and tools for simulation based validation and formal verification of complex digital systems implemented as a systems on a chip. Topics include testing strategies, test bench design, coverage, and model checking. Prerequisites: ECE 2140 or ECE 2121 or permission of instructor.

ECE 2159: AUTOMATA THEORY, (3 CREDITS) Finite automata and sequential machines, representation, decomposition, measurement, control and identification, regular expressions and machine specifications, linear sequential machines, Turing machines, and formal languages.

ECE 2160: Introduction to Embedded Computer System Design, (3 CREDITS) Design and implementation of embedded microprocessor systems. Topics include ?C? language, top down iteration for assembly language programming, data structures, co-routines, I/O software structures and real time operating systems. Prerequisite: ECE/CoE 0142

ECE 2161: Embedded Computer System Design, (3 CREDITS) This full term project is carried out by student design groups. A complex embedded system will be designed, implemented and tested using Altera and other CAD tools. Grade will be based on project reviews and the final project report. Proper design process will be emphasized. Prerequisite: ECE 2160

ECE 2162: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE 1, (3 CREDITS) Review of basic architecture concepts, data representation, microprocessor and minicomputer architectures, memory, I/O subsystems, stack computers, parallel and pipelined computers. Prerequisite: ECE 0142

ECE 2192: Introduction to VLSI Design, (4 CREDITS) Introduction to the concepts and techniques of modern integrated circuit design. Use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools for circuit design and simulation. Prerequisites: ECE 0142

ECE 2193: ADVANCED VLSI DESIGN, (3 CREDITS) This course is organized as a full semester project in conjunction with lecture material on advanced MOS and BiCMOS digital design techniques, as well as the group design process itself. Students form groups that design and implement different VLSI projects which are then fabricated by the NSF MOSIS (MOS Implementation Service) facility and returned for testing. The majority of the course is focused on group projects with written and oral reviews and reports. Prerequisite: ECE 2192

ECE 2195: SPECIAL TOPICS: COMPUTERS, (3 CREDITS) An MS level course in special topics of current interest in computer engineering.

ECE 3163: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE 2, (3 CREDITS) Architectural considerations of computers from microprocessors through super computers, von Neuman-Harvard advantages and limitations, pipelining, chaining and multiple processors, memory and processor configurations, performance evaluation, stochastic models, operating systems, software and technology considerations. Prerequisite: ECE 2162

ECE 3167: COMPUTER NETWORKS, (3 CREDITS) This course covers the design and implementation of network components (systems), software and the networks themselves. The course will follow a lecture, project and homework format with an individual and a group project designed to demonstrate research and development within standards and potential standard improvements. Prerequisites: ECE 2185, ECE 2162

ECE 3195: ADVANCED TOPICS: COMPUTERS, (3 CREDITS) A Ph.D. level course in advanced topics of current interest in the area of computer engineering.

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