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Introduction to Microprocessors

Oli Howson, Visakh Ajith, Suzanne Candanedo, Awadhy Mohammed, Gianluca Cantone, Jay Piamjariyakul, and Angeliki Agathi Tsintzira

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:

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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
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Foundational microprocessor concepts by arm

According to students, this "Introduction to Microprocessors" course, presented by Arm engineers, offers a strong foundational understanding of CPU workings, memory, and code conversion. Learners particularly praise the clear and concise explanations and the practical introduction to assembly language. While many find the content thorough for beginners and suitable for grasping core concepts, some advanced learners suggest it could benefit from more in-depth coverage on specific topics or additional hands-on activities. Recent reviews indicate continuous improvement, with positive remarks on the course's updated content.
Well-suited for newcomers, but may lack depth for experienced learners.
"As someone new to microprocessors, I found the pace perfect and the content very accessible. It didn't assume prior knowledge."
"While great for an 'introduction', I felt it was a bit too simplistic for my background in computer science. I was hoping for more advanced topics."
"The course is pitched perfectly for absolute beginners. For those with some background, it might feel a little basic, though still good for review."
Recent improvements enhance the learning experience.
"It's clear the instructors have been refining the course. The updated content and explanations in newer modules are very welcome."
"Having taken this course previously and revisited, I can see significant improvements, making it even more valuable now."
"The course appears to have evolved, addressing some earlier feedback. This commitment to improvement is commendable."
Offers valuable practical exposure to assembly language concepts.
"The practical opportunity to be introduced to an assembly language was incredibly helpful in solidifying the theoretical knowledge."
"I appreciated the hands-on aspect with assembly; it made the concepts much more concrete and applicable."
"Learning about assembly code in a practical context was a definite highlight for me. It demystified the transition from high-level code."
Provides a robust and clear introduction to microprocessor fundamentals.
"This course truly is an excellent introduction. It covers the fundamentals of microprocessors with great clarity and provides a solid base..."
"I found the explanations to be clear and concise, making complex topics like the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle understandable even for a beginner."
"The course gave me a very good foundational understanding of how a CPU works, from ALU operations to memory types and machine code."
Reviewers express desire for more hands-on coding and lab exercises.
"I wish there were more practical lab exercises beyond the initial assembly introduction. More coding opportunities would be beneficial."
"While the theory is strong, I felt the course could be even better with additional hands-on projects to apply the concepts learned."
"More real-world examples and coding challenges would have greatly enhanced my learning experience in this course."

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 Microprocessors with these activities:
Review Basic Computer Architecture Concepts
Refresh your understanding of basic computer architecture concepts before starting the course.
Browse courses on Computer Architecture
Show steps
  • Go through your existing study materials from previous courses or reference textbooks.
  • Focus on reviewing topics such as computer organization, data representation, and instruction sets.
  • Complete practice questions or exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Solve Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle Exercises
Enhance your understanding of the FDE cycle by solving practice exercises.
Show steps
  • Find online exercises or problems related to the FDE cycle.
  • Analyze the instructions and identify the steps involved in the FDE cycle.
  • Solve the exercises and trace the flow of instructions through the FDE cycle.
Follow Tutorials on Memory Types and Their Uses
Expand your knowledge of memory types and their applications through guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Computer Architecture
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials or resources that cover memory types and their uses.
  • Follow the tutorials and take notes on the different types of memory, their characteristics, and their applications.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Complete Exercises on Arithmetic Logic Unit Operations
Strengthen your understanding of ALU operations by completing practice exercises.
Browse courses on Arithmetic Logic Unit
Show steps
  • Find online exercises or problems that focus on ALU operations.
  • Analyze the operands and instructions involved in the ALU operations.
  • Perform the operations manually and verify your results.
Explore Online Assembly Code Resources
Acquire a foundational understanding of assembly code through online resources.
Browse courses on Assembly Code
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials, courses, or documentation that provide an introduction to assembly code.
  • Follow the resources and take notes on the syntax, instructions, and basic concepts of assembly code.
Practice Assembly Language Coding
Reinforce your understanding of assembly language by completing practice drills.
Browse courses on Assembly Language
Show steps
  • Identify an online coding environment or install an assembler on your computer.
  • Find practice problems or exercises online or in textbooks.
  • Code the solutions to the practice problems in assembly language.
  • Test and debug your code.
Join Study Groups for Code Conversion
Enhance your understanding of code conversion by participating in study groups.
Show steps
  • Identify or form a study group with classmates who are also taking the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss code conversion techniques, practice exercises, and share knowledge.
  • Provide feedback and support to group members.
Create Visual Aids for CPU Components
Deepen your understanding of CPU components by creating visual representations of them.
Browse courses on Computer Architecture
Show steps
  • Choose a CPU component to focus on, such as the ALU, FPU, or cache.
  • Research the component's functionality and architecture.
  • Create a visual representation of the component using diagrams, flowcharts, or animations.
  • Present your visual aid to the class or post it online for feedback.
Develop a Case Study on Pipelining Challenges
Gain a deeper understanding of pipelining challenges by developing a case study.
Browse courses on Pipelining
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world example or scenario where pipelining challenges arise.
  • Research the technical details of the pipelining architecture and the specific challenges encountered.
  • Develop a comprehensive case study that outlines the challenges, their causes, and potential solutions.
  • Present your case study to the class or publish it online for feedback.

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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architect
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for VLSI Design Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Researcher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Introduction to Microprocessors.
Cover image
Computer Architecture
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of high-performance computer architecture. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the latest developments in computer architecture.
Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, 3rd...
Paperback
Check Price
Cover image
The Elements of Computing Systems, second edition
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture, from the transistor level to the software level. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the foundations of computer systems.
The Elements of Computing Systems, second edition:...
Paperback
$$
The Elements of Computing Systems, second edition:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition
Save
This textbook provides a quantitative approach to computer architecture. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the performance and scalability of computer systems.
Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition
Paperback
Check
Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Modern Processor Design
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of modern processor design. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the latest developments in processor design.
Modern Processor Design: Fundamentals of...
Paperback
$$$$
Modern Processor Design: Fundamentals of...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition
Save
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture, covering both hardware and software aspects. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the foundations of computer systems.
Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition: The...
Paperback
$$$
Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition: The...
Paperback
$$$$
Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition: The...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition: The...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Art of ARM Assembly
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of assembly language programming. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to write efficient code for microprocessors.
The Art of ARM Assembly
Paperback
$$$
The Art of ARM Assembly
Kindle Edition
$$
Assembly Language for X86 Processors
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of assembly language programming for x86 processors. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to write efficient code for x86-based systems.
Assembly Language for x86 Processors
Hardcover
$$$$
Assembly Language for x86 Processors, Global Edition
Paperback
$$$
(中文) Assembly language: based on x86 processor (English...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
MIPS
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of assembly language programming for MIPS processors. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to write efficient code for MIPS-based systems.
MIPS Assembly Language Programming by Robert...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Operating System Concepts
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of operating systems. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the principles of operating systems.
Operating System Concepts
Paperback
Check
Operating System Concepts
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Digital Design
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of digital design. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the fundamentals of digital circuits.
Digital Design
Paperback
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Digital Design
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to understand the principles of networking.
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Paperback
Check
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Kindle Edition
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Course image
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
Arm Education
Instructors
Oli Howson
Visakh Ajith
Suzanne Candanedo
Awadhy Mohammed
Gianluca Cantone
Jay Piamjariyakul
Angeliki Agathi Tsintzira
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
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