Computer Architecture Essentials on Arm from edX

Whether you’re downloading an app, streaming a video, or clicking a mouse, modern microprocessors are the engines powering your digital life. Arm’s 30-year-plus history of designing energy and power-efficient microprocessors helped fuel the smartphone revolution, and today from the tiniest sensors to the world's most powerful supercomputers, Arm is building the future of computing.

This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the architecture of modern microprocessors. We'll start your learning journey by covering the basics of computer architecture, such as definitions and a description of key components of a microprocessor.

We'll then take a deep dive into important computer architectural concepts and processes. For example, you'll learn how pipelining, branch handling and cache memories can improve the performance of a single-cycle microprocessor. We'll then introduce you to the world of superscalar processors, and how to maximise performance using out-of-order instructions.

Our lab exercises will bring to life the theory discussed in the course through a range of simulation tools.

Along the way, we'll provide you with insights from key engineers at Arm, illustrating how and why certain design choices were made so you’ll have the real-world context behind these pivotal architectural decisions.

With over 250 billion Arm-based chips deployed by our vast ecosystem of partners, Arm technology is present wherever computing happens. Be a part of this thriving community and enrol in Computer Architecture Essentials on Arm today.

This course is aimed at learners who have a basic understanding of computer organisation and programming languages. If you are completely new to the world of microprocessors, we suggest you take our Introduction to Microprocessors course on edX.

What you'll learn

An appreciation of the origins of modern microprocessors and the key principles that go into Computer Architecture design.
An understanding of the fundamentals of pipelining and how it can improve performance.
The importance of branches and how they can be handled efficiently with the use of pipelining.
The impact of memory on processor performance and why caches are necessary.
The organisation of a modern superscalar processor.
An understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with an in-order superscalar processor.

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Develops concepts behind designs within computer architecture, such as pipelining, caches, and out-of-order instructions

Features insights from leading engineers, offering practical context to architectural decisions

Requires a background in computer organization and programming, making it inappropriate for novices

Teaches an appreciation for design principles used in modern microprocessors

Provides a solid foundation for understanding superscalar processors

Includes hands-on lab exercises that reinforce theoretical concepts

Reviews summary

Arm computer architecture essentials

According to learners, this course offers a deep and clear understanding of modern computer architecture, particularly focusing on Arm processors. Students frequently praise the clarity of explanations for complex topics like pipelining, branch prediction, and cache memories. The inclusion of hands-on labs with simulation tools is highlighted as particularly helpful for reinforcing theoretical concepts. Furthermore, real-world insights from Arm engineers are seen as adding significant value and context. While largely well-received, a few learners noted that it benefits those with a strong prior background in computer organization, as the pace can be challenging in certain advanced sections.

Offers valuable real-world context from Arm engineers.

"The insights from Arm engineers made it even more engaging, providing real-world context."

"I especially liked the real-world insights from Arm engineers; they added a lot of value to my learning."

Provides practical experience using simulation tools.

"The lab exercises using simulation tools were very helpful and allowed me to visualize the concepts."

"The hands-on labs were a great way for me to reinforce the learning."

"I found the labs practical and they complemented the lectures perfectly."

"I particularly appreciated the practical examples and the use of simulation tools in the labs."

Effectively clarifies complex architectural concepts.

"The way pipelining, branch prediction, and cache memories were explained was incredibly clear."

"The detailed explanations of pipelining and cache hierarchies were superb."

"I found the lecturer's explanations to be clear and concise."

"The instructors did a fantastic job breaking down complex topics for me."

Perceived as too theoretical by some, desiring more practical applications.

"I felt this course was too theoretical at times, and I was hoping for more practical application or case studies of Arm-based designs."

"I expected more direct interaction with actual Arm development boards or real-world project scenarios, and my expectations might have been misaligned."

"I thought some explanations could be a bit more visual or animated to help grasp complex concepts faster."

Requires a strong foundation, potentially challenging for some.

"I found the prerequisites to be a bit understated; I still struggled with the pace in certain sections despite having a 'basic understanding'."

"I think the course assumes a slightly higher level of prior knowledge than stated, but it's highly rewarding if you meet it."

"This course is comprehensive, but I'd say it's not for the faint of heart or those without a strong prior background."

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 Computer Architecture Essentials on Arm with these activities:

Review 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach'

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Review 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach' to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer architecture, including pipelining, branch handling, and cache memories.

View Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on pipelining, branch handling, and cache memories.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.

Solve practice problems on pipelining

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Solve practice problems on pipelining to reinforce your understanding of how pipelining improves processor performance.

Browse courses on Pipelining

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Identify the stages of a pipeline.
Determine the latency and throughput of a pipeline.
Analyze the impact of pipeline hazards on performance.
Design a pipeline for a given processor architecture.

Practice exercises on branch handling

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Practice exercises on branch handling to enhance your understanding of how processors optimize branch prediction and reduce branch penalties.

Browse courses on Branch Handling

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Predict the direction of a branch using various prediction techniques.
Analyze the performance impact of different branch handling strategies.
Design a branch predictor for a given processor architecture.

Three other activities

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Follow online tutorials on superscalar processors

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Follow online tutorials on superscalar processors to gain insights into their organization, instruction scheduling, and performance optimization techniques.

Browse courses on Superscalar Processors

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Identify the key components of a superscalar processor.
Analyze the instruction scheduling algorithms used in superscalar processors.
Evaluate the performance benefits of superscalar processors over scalar processors.

Write a summary of out-of-order execution

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Write a summary of out-of-order execution to enhance your understanding of how superscalar processors achieve high performance by executing instructions in a non-sequential order.

Browse courses on Out-of-Order Execution

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Explain the concept of out-of-order execution.
Describe the benefits and challenges of out-of-order execution.
Analyze the techniques used to implement out-of-order execution in superscalar processors.

Develop a tool to simulate a simple superscalar processor

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Develop a tool to simulate a simple superscalar processor to gain hands-on experience in understanding the operation and performance of superscalar processors.

Browse courses on Computer Architecture

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Design the architecture of a simple superscalar processor.
Implement the instruction scheduling algorithm.
Evaluate the performance of the simulated superscalar processor.

Career center

Learners who complete Computer Architecture Essentials on Arm will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from designing new processors to developing new memory technologies. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in computer hardware engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize computer hardware systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Architect

Computer Architects design and develop the architecture of computer systems. They work on a variety of projects, from designing new processors to developing new memory technologies. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in computer architecture. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize computer hardware systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new operating systems to developing new applications. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in software engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test embedded systems. Embedded systems are computer systems that are designed to be embedded in other devices, such as cars, medical devices, and industrial equipment. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in embedded systems engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and test complex systems. These systems can include computer systems, software systems, and embedded systems. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in systems engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize complex systems.

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Chip Designer

Chip Designers design and develop integrated circuits (ICs). ICs are the building blocks of modern electronics, and they are used in a wide variety of devices, from computers to smartphones to cars. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in chip design. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize ICs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chip Designer

VLSI Engineer

VLSI Engineers design and develop very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits are ICs that contain millions or even billions of transistors. They are used in a wide variety of devices, from computers to smartphones to cars. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in VLSI engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize VLSI circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for VLSI Engineer

Digital Design Engineer

Digital Design Engineers design and develop digital circuits. Digital circuits are the building blocks of modern electronics, and they are used in a wide variety of devices, from computers to smartphones to cars. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in digital design engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize digital circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Design Engineer

ASIC Design Engineer

ASIC Design Engineers design and develop application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). ASICs are ICs that are designed for a specific application, such as a particular type of computer or smartphone. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in ASIC design engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize ASICs.

See salaries and explore the career path for ASIC Design Engineer

FPGA Design Engineer

FPGA Design Engineers design and develop field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). FPGAs are ICs that can be programmed after they are manufactured. This allows them to be used in a wide variety of applications, from prototyping new designs to creating custom hardware for specific applications. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in FPGA design engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and optimize FPGAs.

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Test Engineer

Test Engineers design and develop tests for computer systems. These tests are used to verify that the systems are functioning properly. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in test engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to design and implement effective tests.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer systems. This documentation can include user manuals, technical specifications, and white papers. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in technical writing. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to write clear and concise technical documentation.

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Product Manager

Product Managers manage the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in product management. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to develop and launch new products.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers sell computer systems and software. They work with customers to identify their needs and develop solutions. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in sales engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to develop and sell effective solutions.

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Customer Support Engineer

Customer Support Engineers provide technical support to customers. They help customers resolve problems with their computer systems and software. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for a career in customer support engineering. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, how they work together, and how to provide effective technical support.

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