DIGITAL SYSTEMS DESIGN

Digital Systems Design covers the entire digital integrated circuit design process, from the behavioral description to physical layout. Topics range from the sophisticated architectures for computer arithmetic to the fundamentals of basic semiconductor devices used in today's integrated circuits. The VLSI design automation tools and methodologies used at all design layers are discussed, as well as techniques for testing and fault-diagnosis of complex integrated circuits. Through the course projects, laboratories, and homework assignments, students gain the practical knowledge of modern computer-aided design tools from leading vendors, such as Synopsys, Synplicity, Aldec, Xilinx, and Altera.

Concentration Advisors:   Kris Gaj, Ken Hintz

1. ECE 545 Introduction to VHDL^*
2. ECE 586 Digital Integrated Circuits
3. ECE 645 Computer Arithmetic: Hardware and Software Implementations
4. ECE 681 VLSI Design Automation

* GMU BS CpE graduates who took ECE 448 in Spring 2006 or later, and ECE 445 in Spring 2007 or later, are allowed (but not required) to replace ECE 545 by another suitable elective course approved by their advisor.

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COMPUTER NETWORKS

Computer Networks emphasizes the analysis and design of computer networks and distributed computing architectures. It covers network protocols and architectures, statistical analysis methods, performance evaluation, scalability, and the interaction between operating systems and network resources. Students receive a broad knowledge of specialized topics such as cryptography, network security, coding theory, and multimedia.

Concentration Advisors:   Brian Mark, David Hwang

1. ECE 528 Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering
2. ECE 542 Computer Network Architectures and Protocols
3. ECE 642 Design and Analysis of Computer Communication Networks
4. ECE 741 Wireless Networks or ECE 742 High-Speed Networks

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NETWORK AND SYSTEM SECURITY

The Network and System Security plan of study covers the entire spectrum of topics related to security in computer networks and distributed systems. The focus is on implementation aspects of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and systems; trade-off between security and efficiency; and the close integration of cryptography, computer security, and communications. Through projects and labs, students get acquainted with various means of implementing security transformations in both software and hardware.

Concentration Advisors:   Jens Peter Kaps, Kris Gaj

1. ECE 542 Computer Network Architectures and Protocols
2. ECE 646 Cryptography and Computer Network Security
3. ECE 746 Secure Telecommunication Systems
4. ISA 666 (formerly INFS 766) Internet Security Protocols

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MICROPROCESSOR AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

The Microprocessor and Embedded Systems plan of study covers the full range of microprocessor implementations from the simplest and ubiquitous 4/8 bit embedded microcontrollers to the advanced reduced instruction set (RISC) microprocessors which form the basis for modern small computer systems. It includes  advanced computer architectures as well as real-time operating systems and device drivers for embedded computers.

Concentration Advisors:   Ronald Barnes, Peter Pachowicz

1. ECE 511 Microprocessors
2. ECE 545 Introduction to VHDL
3. ECE 611 Advanced Microprocessors
4. ECE 612 Real-Time Embedded Systems

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