CS401 GDB 1 Solution and Discussion

[zareen]

Q. In the last 60 years, computer processors have been evolving and processing speed has increased multiple times. Increasing processor speed along with increasing the number of processing cores has been the major trend. As a computer architect, we have an option of either increasing the number of cores to achieve better performance or increasing the processing speed of a single processor.

What would be your choice to go with in the prevailing scenario keeping in view the pros and cons of each approach? Provide logical reasoning in either case.

[Fiza Habib Khan]

Total Marks 5
Starting Date Thursday, February 11, 2021
Closing Date Friday, February 12, 2021
Status Closed
Question Title Cortex-A OR Cortex-M
Question Description
A smartwatch is a very useful device developed by several companies these days including Apple, Samsung, Motorola and several others. It has a touch screen interface providing features like GPS tracking, heart rate and sleep monitoring etc. with power efficient batteries. The ARM Cortex processors are used in smartwatches providing several benefits.

Suppose we have to choose between ARM Cortex-A or Cortex-M series architecture for our next generation smartwatch. Which one would you select between the two and why? Support your selection of either architecture with solid reasoning considering memory management, cost, performance and chip size.

Important Instructions:

1. Please note that no extra time will be given for posting comments on GDB.
2. Use the font style “Times New Roman” with font size “12”.
3. Do not copy or exchange your answer with other students. Two identical comments will be marked zero.
4. Your comments should not exceed 120 words.