Digital systems of all types are becoming largely interconnection limited. That is, the communication fabric, rather than computing speed is becoming the main factor that limits the performance, size and power consumption of the system. Interconnection networks can be found in environments ranging from embedded systems-on-chips (SoCs) to large supercomputers. This course will deal with architectures, algorithms and other issues related to inteconnection networks.

Text: Principles & Practices of Interconnection Networks, by W. J. Dally and B. Towles, Morgan Kaufman, 2004.
           Papers from current literature

Prerequisites: Basic ideas in architecture, algorithms, and their analysis.

Tentative Topics: Topologies, Multistage Interconnection Networks, Buses, Routing (oblivious and adaptive), Flow Control, Deadlock and livelock, error contol, reconfigurable networks.

Basis for grading: