A performance modeling and design environment for senior computer engineering undergraduates

A UAV-Based Computer Engineering Capstone Senior Design Project

“…This architecture for the on-board computer is shown in Figure 3. The hardware/software interface that facilitates communication between the components was developed using the interface library presented in [4]. The main control algorithm, which also provides a continuous update to the GCS via another RS-232 link to a radio modem, was implemented using the C++ language.…”

Teaching Computer Architecture Performance Analysis

“…The results of the literature search indicate a need for more conceptualized analysis of computer systems, to bring the critical topics of implementing alternative computer system designs into technology education. Design alternatives must be evaluated early in the design process before detailed information about the system exists; therefore the use of abstract architecture models is used to create performance models [3]. [4].…”

“…First, the material must be understandable on a level comparable to the complexity of similar computer system undergraduate projects. Second, all of the reference material necessary for completing laboratory exercises must be available in what [3] calls a "prefabricated" environment.…”

“…To create a method for developing exercises to analyze computer performance and modeling, a literature review process is used to organize an approach for solving the problem while providing focus on how the projects research will contribute to the technology field based on previous related work. Current computer engineering programs contain a significant amount of material for implementation of complex hardware/software systems, however the use of performance modeling to analyze computer design alternatives has not made its way into the undergraduate curriculum [3].…”