Teaching computer architecture as engineering design with VLSI

It is argued that to teach computer architecture is to teach engineering design of complex, multidisciplinary systems, and that to integrate that experience into an undergraduate curriculum of either computer science or electrical engineering is difficult. Students typically do not have enough breadth of experience to appreciate all the real-world concerns. It is suggested instead that VLSI be taught as a microcosm of the process of computer architecture design. By using integrated design teams of students, it is possible to give them the experience of a design project in an academic setting.<>