The Laboratory Environment of the URI Integrated Computer Engineering Design ICED Curriculum 1998

Abstract:  While many computer engineering curricula contain significant design projects encompassing either hardware or software, most do not integrate these experiences, are short-term in nature, lack exposure to industrial design tools, do not have hands-on experience, or lack continuity. URI's new ICED undergraduate curriculum addresses these issues through a comprehensive multi-year project. The project entails the design and construction of both the hardware and software of a computer, including the compiler, CPU, bus, memory, and I/O. An Ethernet-like network interface is also designed and built, and students' computers are interconnected. Hardware, software, and design-time tradeoffs are examined and made throughout the project. Computer engineering principles come to life in the investigation and design of real and integrated hardware and software. This paper describes the laboratory environment of the ICED curriculum. The pedagogical use of industrial CAD logic design and synthesis too...