Introduction to Microprocessors from edX

Want to understand how the central processing unit (CPU) of a microprocessor works? How the code you type is actually executed by your computer? Presented by engineers from Arm, this course provides you with an introduction to the central components of processors including:

the Arithmetic Logic Unit, or ALU, and the arithmetic and logical operations it carries out;
the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle or FDE within different architectures;
pipelining, or how a CPU decides what to prioritise and the challenges faced when doing so;
types of memory and their uses;
the process that high level code, such as C#, goes through to get converted into machine code;
assembly code, an interim step between high level and machine level code; and
how assembling and compiling work together to produce object code or executable files.

There is also a practical opportunity to be introduced to an assembly language.

What you'll learn

You will learn:

The purpose, specs, components and activities of a CPU
The differences and uses of RAM, ROM, and cache memory
The purpose and activities of buses and registers
Opcode, operands and memory addresses
The purpose and operations of an arithmetic logic unit
The fetch-decode-execute cycle
The need for assembly and machine code
Basic conversion of assembly code to machine code

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the functional components of a CPU, arming students with a foundational understanding of computer architecture

Empowers learners to understand how code execution occurs in a computer system, enhancing their technical literacy

Facilitates a comprehensive overview of CPU operations, providing a strong basis for further exploration in computer science

Emphasizes practical application through an introduction to assembly language, fostering hands-on experience with computer architecture

Suitable for beginners seeking an introduction to CPU fundamentals, providing a solid foundation for further learning

Provides a clear breakdown of the fetch-decode-execute cycle, enhancing comprehension of CPU operations

Career center

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

Computer Architect

A Computer Architect designs and develops the overall architecture of computer systems. This course is highly relevant to this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

An Embedded Systems Engineer designs and develops embedded systems, which are computer systems that are designed to be part of a larger system. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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VLSI Design Engineer

A VLSI Design Engineer designs and develops Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits, which are used in a wide range of electronic devices. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Firmware Engineer

A Firmware Engineer designs and develops firmware, which is software that is stored in a computer's hardware. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

A Computer Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer systems and components. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Computer Science Researcher

A Computer Science Researcher conducts research in the field of computer science. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Test Engineer

A Test Engineer designs and conducts tests to ensure that computer systems and components meet specifications. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Computer Science Teacher

A Computer Science Teacher teaches computer science concepts to students. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for computer systems and components. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer sells computer systems and components to businesses. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst helps businesses to improve their operations by analyzing their business processes and systems. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems and components. This course may be useful for those interested in this career as it provides an introduction to the central components of processors, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, and pipelining.

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