Design a CPU from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Design and simulate an 8 bit cpu
Create your own instruction set
Create your own assembly language
Create your own assembler in excel
Create your own assembly language debugger in excel vba

Write your own assembly language programs
Put simply , 'if you want to know how a computer works then take this course !!!'
That's right , 'if you really want to know how a computer works then take this course !!!'
Subtitles added in 78 different languages

Design and simulate an 8 bit cpu
Create your own instruction set
Create your own assembly language
Create your own assembler in excel
Create your own assembly language debugger in excel vba
Write your own assembly language programs
Put simply , 'if you want to know how a computer works then take this course !!!'
That's right , 'if you really want to know how a computer works then take this course !!!'
Subtitles added in 78 different languages

Syllabus

RAM , ALU , Registers and Clock

Welcome to the course. To get started right away you can download the circuit design tool LOGISIM from the resource link. You will need to have java running on your machine as well so click the java link to download this. The third link will give you access to 3 files, we only need one at the moment the CPU_DESIGN file. If you open this file in LOGISIM then you will see the WELCOME screen. Just click on the CPU_MEM_1 block to start simulating your first circuit. Or just start building your own copy in LOGISIM along with the videos. Note the other 2 files called ASSEMBLER and MULTIPLYSIM will be used at the end of the video series. I have also added 9 simulation files that I used to build up the control section if you want to re-create these simulations (the links are in the resources of the control section videos. HAVE FUN !!!

A couple of students say they couldn't download the files in the resources section so I have added the extra zip file so if you have any difficulties then try downloading from downloadable materials or External Resources.

In this video we take a look at the software tool that we will be using throught the rest of the course. Logisim is a free tool which can be downloaded from the following address http://www.cburch.com/logisim/download.html just press the download link on bullet point 2. New course video.

In this video we look at building AND , OR ,NOT, XOR ,NOR gates using the NAND gate. This is an easy introduction to get you used to using the simulation tool. New course video.

A look ahead at what we will build over the next 10 video lectures. This video will give you a road map to what we will learn in the next 10 videos. New course video.

In this video we build up a 1 bit memory cell. New course video.

In this video we take the 1 bit memory cell and expand it to a 1 byte memory cell. New course video.

In this video we take the 8 bit memory cell and produce a single 8 bit register.New course video.

In this video we build up the decoder block. Don't worry if you don't know what this is as it is all explained in the video.New course video.

An automated method of designing combinational logic circuits in Logisim.

In this video I describe the control buffer which is used throughout the rest of the CPU design. This is also known as a unity gain buffer.

In this video we build up the 256 byte RAM. New course video.

In this video we build up the Arithmetic Logic Unit. New course video.

In this video we design the clock circuit. New course video.

In this video we start bringing some of our blocks together and have an overview of the final design in order to see our road map ahead. New course video.

In the famous book The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams the computer Deep Thought spends millions of years working out the answer to Life the Universe and Everything - answer is 42.

Over the next 2 videos we look at what an algorithm is and what it can and more important cannot do for you. If you are not interested in the mathematics then just skip the next 2 videos and move right onto the CONTROL SECTION. New course video.

We continue our mathematical look at computers with the idea of a Turing Machine. I have used the book ' The Emperors New Mind ' by Roger Penrose chapter 2 in order to produce this video. If you are interested in the content of this video then I would recommend reading this.New course video.

Control Section

In this video we start building up the most complicated section of our cpu the Control Section. We start by adding 2 numbers. New course video.

In this video we will take a look at the stepper that is used in the control section.

In this video we look at the fetch execute cycle that is at the heart of every cpu. New course video.

In this video we look at the ALU instruction within the control unit. New course video.

In this video we look at the Load and Store instructions within the control unit. New course video.

In this video we look at the data instruction within the control unit. New course video.

In this video we look at the Jump Register instruction within the control unit. New course video.

In this video we look at the jump address instruction within the control unit. New course video.

In this video we look at the jump if instruction within the control unit.

In this video we look at the clear flags instruction. New course video.

Assembly Language (Assembler and Debugger)

In this video we look at a simple assembler for the cpu built in microsoft excel. You can download the assembler for excel from the link below. Make sure you ENABLE MACROS in excel for it to work. Also it asks for a path to save the file to , for example 'C:\Users\Ross\Desktop' , this is the path to my desktop but you can change this to suit yourself. Good luck.

In this video we design our first assembly language program. New course video.

I this video we look at a model of the CPU in Excel VBA and see how this allows us to create an Assembly Language Debugger. SEE THE UPDATED VERSION IN THE RESOURCES SECTION.

Load and Run a Program

In this video we complete the control section then build up the CPU using all the blocks that we have designed so far.

In this video we provide a method to reset the CPU so at initialisation all the registers and address locations contain zeros.

We need an automated method for loading a program into the CPU.

A final simulation at the top level multiplying 2 numbers together.

Goodbye and some suggestions for further study.

New Design and Some other Interesting Stuff

Here is one suggestion to improve the running of the CPU.

In this video I go into detail as to how I wrote the Assembly Language Debugger.

In this video I show how to use the debugger in Excel to write the assembly language code for the Fibonacci series and then simulate the assembly language code in the CPU.

In this video we look at extending the 8 bit design to a 16 bit design.

It's been a while since I first put this course on Udemy. It's about time I did something useful with this CPU. This is a taster of for the next course DESIGN A CPU (SUPERCHARGED) where we design a calculator using our CPU. I will update this section with my progress and let you know when the new course will be available. I will also leave my new designs in the resources section if you want to have a play.

Bonus Section

Bonus Lecture

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides foundational understanding of computer hardware, architecture, and assembly language

Involves hands-on simulation in an online tool, fostering practical learning

Covers topics from logic gates to Turing machines, providing a comprehensive overview

Taught by Ross McGowan, an experienced instructor with over 20 years in the industry

Utilizes an accessible and easy-to-use simulation tool, eliminating the need for specialized hardware or software

May require additional resources for a deeper understanding of assembly language programming

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 Design a CPU with these activities:

Read But How Do I Know: The Basic Principles of Computers for Everyone by J. Clark Scott

Show steps

This book provides a great foundational understanding of how computers work. It is highly recommended that you read this book before or concurrently with taking this course.

View But How Do It Know? - The Basic Principles of... on Amazon

Show steps

Borrow or purchase a copy of the book.
Read through the book at your own pace, taking notes as needed.
Complete any exercises or activities included in the book.

Read Code by Charles Petzold

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of computer programming. It is a great way to learn about the evolution of computers and how they work.

View Melania on Amazon

Show steps

Borrow or purchase a copy of the book.
Read through the book at your own pace, taking notes as needed.
Complete any exercises or activities included in the book.

Practice building logic gates in Logisim

Show steps

Building logic gates in Logisim will help you develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals of computer architecture.

Browse courses on Logic Gates

Show steps

Download and install Logisim.
Create a new project in Logisim.
Add the necessary components to your project to build a logic gate.
Simulate your logic gate to test its functionality.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Practice writing assembly language programs

Show steps

Practicing writing assembly language programs will help you develop your programming skills and your understanding of how computers work.

Browse courses on Assembly Language

Show steps

Find a set of practice problems.
Solve the practice problems.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Design and simulate a simple 8-bit CPU in Logisim

Show steps

Designing and simulating a simple 8-bit CPU in Logisim will give you hands-on experience with the inner workings of a computer.

Browse courses on CPU Design

Show steps

Choose a simple 8-bit CPU design to implement.
Create a new project in Logisim.
Add the necessary components to your project to build the CPU.
Simulate your CPU to test its functionality.

Follow a tutorial on how to write assembly language programs

Show steps

Learning how to write assembly language programs will give you a deeper understanding of how computers work.

Browse courses on Assembly Language

Show steps

Find a tutorial on how to write assembly language programs.
Follow the tutorial to learn the basics of assembly language.
Write a few simple assembly language programs on your own.

Write a blog post or article about how computers work

Show steps

Writing a blog post or article about how computers work will help you solidify your understanding of the subject.

Show steps

Choose a topic for your blog post or article.
Research your topic.
Write your blog post or article.
Publish your blog post or article.

Build a simple calculator using the CPU you designed in Logisim

Show steps

Building a simple calculator using the CPU you designed in Logisim will give you a practical application of your knowledge.

Browse courses on CPU Design

Show steps

Design the hardware for your calculator.
Write the software for your calculator.
Assemble and test your calculator.

Career center

Learners who complete Design a CPU will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Hardware Engineer

Design a CPU helps build a foundation for the work Computer Hardware Engineers do every day. Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, test, and evaluate computer hardware and software systems. They may also work on the integration of hardware and software systems. This course is an excellent way to learn the basics of computer architecture and design, which Computer Hardware Engineers need to know. Additionally, the course covers topics such as memory, logic gates, and assembly language, which are all essential for Computer Hardware Engineers to understand. There is no doubt that this course would be useful for anyone considering a career in Computer Hardware Engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Firmware Engineer

Firmware Engineers design, develop, and maintain the firmware for electronic devices. Firmware is the software that is embedded in hardware devices, such as computers, smartphones, and networking equipment. This course provides a good foundation for the work Firmware Engineers do every day. It covers topics such as computer architecture, assembly language, and logic gates, which are all essential for Firmware Engineers to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Firmware Engineers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Computer Architect

Computer Architects design and develop the architecture of computer systems. They work on the overall design of a computer, including the hardware and software components. This course provides a good foundation for the work Computer Architects do every day. It covers topics such as computer architecture, assembly language, and logic gates, which are all essential for Computer Architects to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Computer Architects to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architect

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from power plants to electronic devices. This course provides a good foundation for the work Electrical Engineers do every day. It covers topics such as logic gates, memory, and assembly language, which are all essential for Electrical Engineers to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Electrical Engineers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from operating systems to mobile apps. This course provides a good foundation for the work Software Engineers do every day. It covers topics such as computer architecture, assembly language, and logic gates, which are all essential for Software Engineers to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Software Engineers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They work on a wide range of projects, from operating systems to mobile apps. This course provides a good foundation for the work Computer Programmers do every day. It covers topics such as computer architecture, assembly language, and logic gates, which are all essential for Computer Programmers to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Computer Programmers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with businesses and organizations to determine their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course provides a good foundation for the work Computer Systems Analysts do every day. It covers topics such as computer architecture, assembly language, and logic gates, which are all essential for Computer Systems Analysts to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Computer Systems Analysts to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, develop, and maintain databases. They work with businesses and organizations to determine their data needs and develop databases that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Database Administrators, as it provides a good foundation in computer architecture and design. Additionally, the course covers topics such as memory, logic gates, and assembly language, which are all essential for Database Administrators to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts design, develop, and implement security measures to protect computer systems and networks. They work with businesses and organizations to identify and mitigate security risks. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts, as it provides a good foundation in computer architecture and design. Additionally, the course covers topics such as memory, logic gates, and assembly language, which are all essential for Information Security Analysts to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, develop, and maintain computer networks. They work with businesses and organizations to determine their networking needs and develop networks that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Network Administrators, as it provides a good foundation in computer architecture and design. Additionally, the course covers topics such as memory, logic gates, and assembly language, which are all essential for Network Administrators to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate computer systems and software to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work with businesses and organizations to identify and fix defects in software. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts, as it provides a good foundation in computer architecture and design. Additionally, the course covers topics such as memory, logic gates, and assembly language, which are all essential for Quality Assurance Analysts to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers write and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals and white papers. They work with businesses and organizations to create documentation that is clear and easy to understand. This course may be useful for Technical Writers, as it provides a good foundation in computer architecture and design. Additionally, the course covers topics such as memory, logic gates, and assembly language, which are all essential for Technical Writers to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with businesses and organizations to create websites that meet their needs. This course may be useful for Web Developers, as it provides a good foundation in computer architecture and design. Additionally, the course covers topics such as memory, logic gates, and assembly language, which are all essential for Web Developers to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and implement complex systems, such as computer systems and networks. They work with businesses and organizations to determine their systems needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course provides a good foundation for the work Systems Engineers do every day. It covers topics such as computer architecture, assembly language, and logic gates, which are all essential for Systems Engineers to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Systems Engineers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. They develop new theories and algorithms, and design and implement new computer systems. This course provides a good foundation for the work Computer and Information Research Scientists do every day. It covers topics such as computer architecture, assembly language, and logic gates, which are all essential for Computer and Information Research Scientists to understand. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with designing and simulating a CPU, which is a valuable skill for Computer and Information Research Scientists to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Research Scientist