Introduction to RISC-V from edX

RISC-V is a free and open instruction set architecture (ISA) enabling a new era of processor innovation through open standard collaboration. This course will guide you through the various aspects of understanding the RISC-V community ecosystem, the RISC-V specifications, and some technical aspects of working with RISC-V.

This course is designed for RISC-V enthusiasts, hardware and software developers, and technology hobbyists interested in how an open source ISA is breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities in the microprocessor world.

While this course will not teach you everything you need to know about how to design your own RISC-V processor, it will help experienced developers understand what is different about RISC-V from other architectures, and give you a clear path to getting started with RISC-V in any area of the computer industry. More than that, we will show you how to work within the RISC-V community so you can understand what exists, what is coming soon, and how you can help us make the magic happen. The course showcases a series of assembly language code examples for you to get familiar with the technical aspects of the ISA and assembly language.

What you'll learn

Describe the nature, history, and ongoing practices of RISC-V as a technology, an international organization, and a community of developers and implementers.
Describe the technical aspects of the RISC-V ISA.
Put the RISC-V ISA into action with a simulator running simple assembly language applications.
Choose the right development tool for your next RISC-V related project.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome!

Chapter 1: Getting to Know RISC-V

Chapter 2: Exploring the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture

Chapter 3: Hands-On RISC-V Assembly Language

Chapter 4: RISC-V Development Tools

Chapter 5: Meeting the Demands of Today's Computing

Final Exam (Verified track only)

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores RISC-V, which is an open and free instruction set architecture that is breaking down barriers in the microprocessor industry

Builds a strong foundation for beginners interested in RISC-V

Provides a clear path to getting started with RISC-V in any area of the computer industry

Taught by Eduardo Corpeño, who is recognized for their work in RISC-V

Examines the history, ongoing practices, and nature of RISC-V, which is highly relevant to microprocessor innovation

Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to RISC-V with these activities:

Review the basics of computer architecture

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Computer architecture is the foundation for understanding RISC-V. Reviewing this topic will provide a strong foundation for success in this course.

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Read textbooks and articles about computer architecture
Watch online videos and tutorials on computer architecture
Complete practice problems and exercises on computer architecture

Read 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach' by Hennessy and Patterson

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This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of computer architecture, covering topics that are essential for understanding RISC-V.

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Read each chapter thoroughly
Take notes on the key concepts
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter

Complete the RISC-V Tutorials from the official RISC-V website

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These tutorials provide a hands-on introduction to the RISC-V ISA, covering topics such as assembly language programming and instruction set architecture.

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Go to the RISC-V website and find the tutorials section
Complete the tutorials in order, starting with the basics
Make sure to practice the examples and exercises provided

Four other activities

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Solve RISC-V assembly language programming problems

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Solving problems will help you develop a deep understanding of the RISC-V ISA and assembly language programming.

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Find online repositories or textbooks with RISC-V assembly language problems
Solve the problems using a simulator or emulator
Debug your solutions and analyze the results

Develop a small RISC-V assembly language program

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Creating a program will allow you to apply your knowledge of RISC-V and assembly language programming to a practical project.

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Design the program and create a flowchart
Write the RISC-V assembly language code
Test and debug the program

Create a study guide for the course

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Creating a study guide will help you organize and synthesize the course material, which can improve your retention and understanding.

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Review the lecture notes, textbook, and other course materials
Identify the key concepts and topics
Create a structured outline

Write a summary or blog post about a specific RISC-V topic

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Writing about a topic will help you deepen your understanding and identify areas where you need further clarification.

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Choose a specific RISC-V topic to focus on
Research the topic thoroughly
Organize your thoughts and write a clear and concise summary or blog post
Share your summary or blog post with others for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to RISC-V will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes data to extract insights and develop predictive models. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and deploys machine learning models. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Information Technology Specialist

An Information Technology Specialist provides technical support for computer hardware and software products. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

A Computer Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer hardware, including processors, motherboards, and other components. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist researches and develops new computer technologies, including new programming languages, algorithms, and computer architectures. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes documentation for computer hardware and software products. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and tests robots. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer writes and tests code for computer software. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Computer Science Teacher

A Computer Science Teacher teaches computer science courses at the secondary or post-secondary level. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests embedded systems, which are computer systems that are designed to be embedded in other devices, such as cars, medical devices, and industrial equipment. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Artificial Intelligence Engineer

An Artificial Intelligence Engineer designs, develops, and deploys artificial intelligence systems. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Computer Network Architect

A Computer Network Architect designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications.

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Computer Architect

A Computer Architect designs and develops the architecture of computers, including the processor, memory, and input/output devices. This course provides an overview of the RISC-V instruction set architecture and how to use it to develop assembly language applications. This knowledge may be useful for someone in this role.

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