Advanced Computer Architecture Course | IIT Delhi Prof. Sarangi | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1297 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Computer Science and Engineering, Systems |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Future of Computing: A Deep Dive into Advanced Computer Architecture
In the relentless pursuit of faster, more efficient, and more intelligent computing systems, understanding the core principles of Advanced Computer Architecture is no longer optional—it's imperative. For postgraduate students, researchers, and industry professionals in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, mastering these concepts is the key to driving innovation in processors, memory systems, and integrated circuits.
This detailed guide explores a premier 12-week course designed and taught by one of India's leading experts in the field, Prof. Smruti Ranjan Sarangi of IIT Delhi. This course offers a rigorous, industry-relevant curriculum that moves beyond foundational knowledge to tackle the cutting-edge challenges and solutions in modern system design.
Meet Your Instructor: A Blend of Academic Excellence and Industry Prowess
The course is led by Dr. Smruti R. Sarangi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Delhi. Prof. Sarangi brings a unique and powerful perspective to the classroom:
- Elite Education: Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, and a B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur.
- Valuable Industry Experience: Five years of impactful work at IBM Research Labs and Synopsys Research, solving real-world problems.
- Proven Research Credentials: Author of 60+ papers in prestigious international conferences/journals and holder of 5 US patents.
- Professional Recognition: An active member of the IEEE and ACM.
This combination ensures the course content is not only theoretically sound but also grounded in practical, industry-applicable knowledge.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
This postgraduate-level course is a comprehensive journey through the most critical advanced topics in computer architecture. It is structured to build from core pipeline concepts to complex system-level issues.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Processor Pipelines: In-order pipeline review, deep dive into Out-of-Order pipelines, and fundamental Branch Prediction. |
| Week 3-5 | Advanced Core Design: Advanced branch prediction, Issue, Select, and Commit logic, and Aggressive Speculation techniques. |
| Week 6 | Compiler Role: Compiler techniques for enhancing Instruction-Level Parallelism (ILP). |
| Week 7 | Memory Hierarchy: Advanced Cache design, modeling, and performance optimizations. |
| Week 8-10 | System Interconnect & Memory: On-chip networks (NoC), formal Theory of Memory Models, and Coherence Protocols. |
| Week 11-12 | Modern Design Challenges: Low-power design methodologies, Hardware Security, and Reliability concerns. |
Who Should Enroll? (Intended Audience & Prerequisites)
Intended Audience: This course is ideally suited for:
- Senior Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students in Computer Science & Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
- Industry professionals at companies like Intel, AMD, IBM, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments looking to solidify their advanced architecture knowledge.
- Academic researchers entering fields related to high-performance computing, VLSI, and systems design.
Prerequisites: A solid understanding of basic Computer Architecture (typically at a 2nd-year university level) is essential. Familiarity with programming and algorithms is also recommended. Prospective students can brush up on prerequisites through related NPTEL courses on Data Structures and Algorithms using Python, Java, or general principles.
Why This Course is Essential for Your Career
The curriculum is directly aligned with the needs of the leading semiconductor and computing companies. Industry support from giants like Intel, AMD, IBM, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments underscores the practical value of the skills you will acquire. From designing the next generation of multi-core CPUs and GPUs to securing hardware against emerging threats and optimizing for power efficiency, this course covers the competencies that define today's tech landscape.
Key Textbook
The course is based on the authoritative text, "Advanced Computer Architecture" (2021, McGraw Hill), authored by Prof. Smruti R. Sarangi himself. This ensures perfect alignment between lectures, study material, and the textbook, providing a seamless learning experience.
Conclusion: Architect Your Future
The "Advanced Computer Architecture" course by Prof. Smruti R. Sarangi is more than an academic module; it's a gateway to the forefront of computing technology. Over 12 intensive weeks, you will transition from understanding how processors work to mastering how to design, optimize, and secure them for the future. Whether you aim to innovate in academia or lead projects in the industry, this course provides the foundational knowledge and advanced insights necessary to excel. Enroll today and take the next step in becoming an architect of tomorrow's technology.
Enroll Now →