Department of Electrical Engineering
Princeton University

Electrical Engineering 580a: Processor Architectures for New Paradigms
Spring 1999

Lectures: M&W   2:00-3:20 
E301
Professor: Ruby B. Lee, B-218 E-Quad 
Office Hours: Tues 3:00-4:00 (or by appointment) 
Email: rblee@ee.princeton.edu 
Phone: 8-1426
Secretary: Karen Williams, B-228 E-Quad 
Email: ski@ee.princeton.edu 
Phone: 8-6728
 

Description/Objectives:

We explore enhanced processor architectures for multimedia information processing, including video, graphics, images, audio and text.  This includes the design of media processors or coprocessors, and multimedia extensions for general-purpose microprocessors.  It includes the study of multimedia algorithms, instruction-set architecture, arithmetic and system improvements.  We also look at emerging paradigms in electronic commerce, e-cash, global villages and extranets, and the processor architectures that enhance the underlying security, cryptography and intellectual property protection requirements.

This course is open to graduate and motivated undergraduate students.  Some familiarity with basic computer architecture (e.g., ELE375, ELE475,  or COS471) is desired, or consent of instructor.  Undergraduates will do a research paper, while graduates are expected to also accomplish a design or analysis project.

Readings:

The first part of the course will be on multimedia algorithms and architecture.  The second part on secure information processing and applied cryptography.  Papers will be handed out in class.  The books (#5 and #6 below) are optional, although buying one is strongly recommended.

Sample Reading List:
1.  IEEE Micro, Vol. 16 No. 4, Special issue on "Media Processing", August 1996.
2. "Accelerating Multimedia with Enhanced Microprocessors", R. Lee, IEEE Micro, Vol. 15 No. 2, April 1995, pp. 22-32.
3. "Multimedia Extensions for General-Purpose Processors", R. Lee, Proceedings of SiPS97: IEEE Workshop on Signal Processing Systems, Design and Implementation, pp. 9-23.
4. Papers on multimedia standards (e.g., MPEGx, JPEG, H.26x, G.7xx, etc.) and algorithms research.
5. "Applied Cryptography" by Bruce Schneier, second edition, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1996.
6. "Network and Internetwork Security: Principles and Practice", by William Stallings, IEEE Press, 1995.

Term Project and Assignments:

The course is to encourage research into an area of multimedia architecture or internet cryptography architecture.  Hence, the term project/paper is the key student effort in the course.  Students are encouraged to do a term project that results in a publishable paper.  Assignments will be given and due every 2-3 weeks, requiring not only understanding of class material but also literature and web-based research, and some programming or hardware paper design.  Midterm may be given, depending on class size and composition.  The term project/paper will be due on the first day of the examination period.

 

Preliminary Outline (subject to change)
Lectures 1-6 Multimedia Instruction Set Architecture: 
  • Multimedia Instructions in General-Purpose Microprocessors
  • PA-RISC MAX, Sparc VIS, Intel MMX, AMD 3DNow, etc.
  • DSPs
  • Research issues in Subword Parallelism and Subword Permutations
  • Ideal media processors
 Reading Handout #1. 
Assignment 1.
Lectures 7-9 Video:  
  • Video Compression and Decompression
  • MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4
  • Video Conferencing
 Reading Handout #2. 
Assignment 2.
Lectures 10-11 Audio: 
  • Audio Compression
  • Speech Recognition, Voice Recognition
  • Echo Cancellation
 Reading Handout #3. 
Assignment 3.
Lectures 12-13 Imaging, Internet Photography, Graphics, Animation, Text encryption and Compression
Lecture 14 Possible MIDTERM
Lecture 15-18 Applied Cryptography 
  • Confidentiality
  • Data Integrity
  • User Authentication
  • Digital Signatures
  • Public Key Infrastructures
Lectures 19-20 Example: Virtual Private Networks
Lectures 21-22 Intellectual Property Protection in Internet Multimedia Information Dissemination
Lecture 23 
plus TBD session/s		 Student Term Project Presentations
Lecture 24 Summary and Future Research