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Building a RISC-V CPU Core
Steve Hoover
Steve Hoover
Building a RISC-V CPU Core is designed for anyone with a technical inclination who is interested in learning more about hardware. Whether you are new to digital logic or are a seasoned veteran, students will take away new skills that can be applied immediately. No prior knowledge of digital logic design is required.
Read more
Building a RISC-V CPU Core is designed for anyone with a technical inclination who is interested in learning more about hardware. Whether you are new to digital logic or are a seasoned veteran, students will take away new skills that can be applied immediately. No prior knowledge of digital logic design is required.
Read more
Building a RISC-V CPU Core is designed for anyone with a technical inclination who is interested in learning more about hardware. Whether you are new to digital logic or are a seasoned veteran, students will take away new skills that can be applied immediately. No prior knowledge of digital logic design is required.
LFD111x is a crash course in digital logic design and basic CPU microarchitecture. Using the Makerchip online integrated development environment (IDE), you will implement everything from logic gates to a simple, but complete, RISC-V CPU core. You will be amazed by what you can do using freely-available online tools for open source development. You will familiarize yourself with a number of emerging technologies supporting an open-source hardware ecosystem, including RISC-V, Transaction-Level Verilog, and the online Makerchip IDE.
This course is a hands-on experience with RISC-V and modern circuit design tools. You will walk away with fundamental skills for a career in logic design, and you will position yourself on the forefront by learning to use the emerging Transaction-Level Verilog language extension (even if you don’t already know Verilog).
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5qdvpi/building
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Digital logic design (combinational and sequential logic)
- Risc-v (rv32i) instruction set architecture
- Basic cpu microarchitecture
- Transaction-level verilog basics
- Makerchip online ide
- Digital logic design (combinational and sequential logic)
- Risc-v (rv32i) instruction set architecture
- Basic cpu microarchitecture
- Transaction-level verilog basics
- Makerchip online ide
Syllabus
Welcome!
Chapter 1: Learning Platform
Chapter 2: Digital Logic
Chapter 3: The Role of RISC-V
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Syllabus
Welcome!
Chapter 1: Learning Platform
Chapter 2: Digital Logic
Chapter 3: The Role of RISC-V
Read more
Chapter 4: RISC-V-Subset CPU
Chapter 5: Completing Your RISC-V CPU
Final Exam (Verified Certificate track only)
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
This course is beginner-friendly and suitable for individuals with no prior knowledge of digital logic design
Provides hands-on experience with real-world tools and technologies used in hardware design
Covers fundamental concepts of digital logic design, RISC-V architecture, and basic CPU microarchitecture
Introduces emerging technologies such as RISC-V, Transaction-Level Verilog, and the Makerchip IDE
Provides a strong foundation for further learning in hardware design and logic design
May require additional resources for students without a background in digital logic design
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Activities
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We're preparing activities for
Building a RISC-V CPU Core.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Building a RISC-V CPU Core will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer systems. As a graduate of this course, you will be able to harness the fundamentals of CPU architecture and digital logic to drive successful careers. Graduates who take roles as Computer Hardware Engineers will benefit from their ability to create and test various computer devices, including microprocessor microcontrollers, circuit boards, memory devices, and other components. Graduates will also have the knowledge to design systems for commercial, industrial, military, or medical applications.
Integrated Circuit Designer
Integrated Circuit Designer
Integrated Circuit Designers plan and design integrated circuits (ICs), developing circuitry to create computer chips and other components. Having earned a background in the fundamental principles of digital logic students will be prepared for this role where they will enjoy designing a range of computer chips and electric components for use in various electronic products. Graduates will have the skills to develop innovative circuit designs and stay abreast of the latest advances in integrated circuit technology.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment or the electrical systems in machinery and buildings. With their knowledge of digital logic circuits, this course will prepare graduates to excel in this career. Graduates can anticipate working on a range of projects, from designing electrical systems for automobiles, aircraft, and power plants to developing new electronic devices. A nuanced understanding of digital logic will support the Electrical Engineer to effectively analyze, design, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
Computer Architect
Computer Architect
Computer Architects design and develop the overall architecture of computer systems, ensuring that the components work together efficiently. This course serves as ideal preparation for Computer Architects, who will bring expertise in microarchitecture as they define the instruction set, registers, memory, and other critical elements of a computer system. Graduates will have mastered the foundations to create powerful and efficient computing systems.
Firmware Engineer
Firmware Engineer
Firmware Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain the firmware for embedded systems. The knowledge of digital logic built through this course will be central to Firmware Engineers, who will create and modify low-level software that controls embedded devices, such as microcontrollers and digital signal processors. Graduates can expect to work on a range of projects, from developing firmware for consumer electronics to designing firmware for industrial automation systems.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining robots. With a grounding in CPU architecture and digital logic, graduates of this course will be well-equipped for success as they tackle challenges such as robot design, control systems, and artificial intelligence. They will be able to leverage digital logic to develop efficient and reliable robots for various applications, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineers design and develop electronic components, devices, and systems. This course provides a strong foundation for graduates who will have the skills to analyze, design, and troubleshoot electronic circuits. Graduates can expect to work in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop embedded systems, which are computer systems designed to be part of a larger system. With a solid foundation in CPU architecture and digital logic, this course will prepare graduates for success in this role. Graduates will be able to design and develop embedded systems for a variety of applications, such as automotive, medical, and industrial automation.
Digital Design Engineer
Digital Design Engineer
Digital Design Engineers design and develop digital circuits and systems. Graduates will be able to design and implement digital logic circuits using a variety of technologies, such as FPGAs and CPLDs. They will also be able to develop software to program and configure these devices.
Test Engineer
Test Engineer
Test Engineers develop and execute tests to ensure that electronic products meet specifications. Having gained a strong foundation in digital logic, course graduates will find themselves well-prepared to analyze and troubleshoot electronic circuits and systems. They will be able to develop test plans and procedures, and to interpret test results.
VLSI Design Engineer
VLSI Design Engineer
VLSI Design Engineers design and develop very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits. This course will provide graduates with the skills needed to design and implement VLSI circuits using a variety of technologies, such as CMOS and bipolar.
ASIC Design Engineer
ASIC Design Engineer
ASIC Design Engineers design and develop application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). This course will provide graduates with the skills needed to design and implement ASICs using a variety of technologies, such as CMOS and bipolar.
FPGA Design Engineer
FPGA Design Engineer
FPGA Design Engineers design and develop field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). FPGAs are reconfigurable devices that can be programmed to implement a variety of digital circuits. Graduates will be able to design and implement FPGA-based systems using a variety of tools and technologies.
CPU Design Engineer
CPU Design Engineer
CPU Design Engineers design and develop central processing units (CPUs). This course will provide graduates with the skills needed to design and implement CPUs using a variety of technologies, such as CMOS and bipolar.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design and develop complex systems, such as computer systems, communication systems, and control systems. Graduates will be able to analyze, design, and implement systems using a variety of technologies and tools. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5qdvpi/building
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Building a RISC-V CPU Core.
Save
An excellent companion book for those seeking a deeper understanding of the RISC-V instruction set architecture. Provides more in-depth coverage of assembly programming, memory management, and advanced topics.
A comprehensive textbook that provides a solid foundation in digital logic design concepts. Covers combinational and sequential logic, as well as essential topics like state machines and timing analysis.
A classic textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture principles. While not specifically focused on RISC-V, it offers valuable insights into CPU microarchitecture and performance analysis.
A beginner-friendly guide to Verilog HDL, the hardware description language used in the course. Provides step-by-step examples and exercises to help learners master the basics of Verilog programming.
Save
A comprehensive introduction to digital logic design, covering both theoretical concepts and practical applications. Provides a good foundation for understanding the underlying principles behind the digital circuits used in the course.
A Verilog-centric textbook that covers digital logic design from the ground up. Provides a good introduction to Verilog programming and its use in hardware design.
Save
A comprehensive guide to embedded systems design, covering hardware, software, and system design principles. Offers insights into the practical aspects of embedded systems development, such as resource management and power optimization.
A widely used textbook that provides a thorough introduction to digital logic design. Covers a wide range of topics, from Boolean algebra to sequential circuits and state machines.
A comprehensive resource for learning SystemVerilog, a powerful extension of Verilog for hardware verification. While not directly related to the course topics, it provides valuable insights into advanced verification techniques.
A classic textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of computer organization and design. While not specifically focused on RISC-V, it offers valuable insights into the broader context of CPU design and the interaction between hardware and software.
A comprehensive reference book for VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) systems design. Provides detailed coverage of CMOS technology, circuit design techniques, and VLSI architecture.
A practical guide to FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) prototyping using Verilog. While not directly related to the course topics, it offers valuable insights into the practical aspects of hardware implementation.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5qdvpi/building
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Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The Linux Foundation
Instructor
Steve Hoover
Session
February 27, 2024
- July 23, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
This course is beginner-friendly and suitable for individuals with no prior knowledge of digital logic design
Provides hands-on experience with real-world tools and technologies used in hardware design
Covers fundamental concepts of digital logic design, RISC-V architecture, and basic CPU microarchitecture
Introduces emerging technologies such as RISC-V, Transaction-Level Verilog, and the Makerchip IDE
Provides a strong foundation for further learning in hardware design and logic design
May require additional resources for students without a background in digital logic design
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