This project involves experimental research in the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at the University of Virginia. End-to-end experimental systems research incorporates a sequence of implementation choices where a researcher may closely control whatever aspects are critical. At one end is the capability to create custom circuits. Further along the spectrum is the capability to integrate off-the-shelf, and perhaps custom, components to create a board system. Still further along is the capability to program small stand-alone software modules. They may execute on a custom board system or on a general computing engine. At the other end is the capability to experiment with both general systems and applications. This type of experimental systems research and the development of an environment within which it can thrive are important to progress in computer science. The range of subjects to be investigated via this thematic approach runs from VLSI design automation and validation through computer architecture, real-time software, parallel systems, and applications.
