ECSE 310. Thermodynamics of Computing.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Electrical & Computer Engr (Faculty of Engineering)
Terms offered: Fall 2026, Winter 2027
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Description
An introduction to thermodynamics from the perspective of computer engineering. The first and second laws of thermodynamics; elementary information theory (bits, entropy); energy storage and dissipation in electrical circuits; effects of noise in switching circuits; the fluctuation-dissipation theorem; Landauer’s principle; reversible and irreversible computation; energy costs of communication; thermal resistance, heat sinking, and cooling technologies for computing circuits.
- Prerequisite(s): ECSE 200, ECSE 205, and ECSE 222
- (3-2-4)