Designing lab sessions focusing on real processors for computer architecture courses: A practical perspective

• Published in: Journal of parallel and distributed computing Vol. 118; pp. 128 - 139
• Main Authors: Feliu, Josué, Sahuquillo, Julio, Petit, Salvador
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.08.2018
• Subjects: Computer architecture; Lab sessions; Processor complexity; Real processors; Scheduling framework; Processor complexity; Scheduling framework; Real processors; Computer architecture; Lab sessions
• ISSN: 0743-7315; 1096-0848
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpdc.2018.02.026

Computer architecture courses typically include lab sessions to reinforce, from a practical perspective, concepts and architectural mechanisms studied in lectures. Lab sessions are mainly based on simulation frameworks because they benefit learning. Reading the source code that models certain processor mechanisms allows students to acquire a sound knowledge of how hardware works. Unfortunately, simulators that model current multicore processors are getting more and more complex, which lengthens the learning phase and complicates their use in time-bounded lab sessions. In this paper, we propose a new approach that complements the use of simulation frameworks in lab sessions of computer architecture courses. This approach is based on performing experiments on current commercial processors, where multiple hardware events related to the performance of the computer components under study are monitored. Then, students analyze the measured events and how they impact the overall performance. Such analysis motivates students and, not only helps reinforcing the theoretical concepts, but also increases their analysis skills. In this paper we present the methodology and scheduling framework that support the proposed approach and discuss five lab sessions, which can be applied in different courses, covering multiple computer architecture topics. •We present a new approach for computer architecture labs based on real processors.•We discuss the methodology and scheduling framework to support the labs.•Five lab examples studying different topics illustrate the scope of the approach.