Starting

EE282 Computer Systems Architecture introduced me to more complex CPUs (microprocessors are named Central Processing Units when packaged within complete computers) and to more advanced techniques for architects building CPUs.  There were two big optimization projects:

1. Optimize Matrix Multiplication:  We had to implement optimization techniques in C to achieve faster matrix multiplication.  A very effective technique is loop unrolling which basically puts more work in each loop iteration to reduce the number of iterations. For example, a for-loop executing a single multiplication needs 100 iterations; the optimized version only need 10 iterations, but each iteration grabs a bigger chunk of data and does 10 multiplications in each loop around.
2. Optimize Mystery Computer:  There’s a dynamic mystery computer that executes large mystery computations.  We could remotely control the computer’s number of processors, processor speed, and cache system.  We then had to explore paths to an optimal computer configuration among thousands of possibilities.  My partner and I were like Sherlock and Watson; discovering new clues, having eureka moments, and then surmising explanations afterwards.

New Skills:  C programming, performance analysis, and optimization techniques

Key Takeaway:  The official Olympic motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius which is Latin for ‘faster, higher, stronger’.  I think this motto’s underlying sentiment isn’t to celebrate the fastest, highest, strongest but to spur athletes toward continuous improvement.  If CPU development had its own motto it would be faster, smaller, less energy.

Ever since their invention, new CPUs are released that are more powerful, with smaller transistors, and more energy efficient.  And just like there’s no perfect athlete or sports team, there’s no ultimate computer because progress in one area comes at the expense of others.