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

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

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Refresh your understanding of basic computer architecture concepts before starting the course.

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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

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Enhance your understanding of the FDE cycle by solving practice exercises.

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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

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Expand your knowledge of memory types and their applications through guided tutorials.

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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

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Complete Exercises on Arithmetic Logic Unit Operations

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Strengthen your understanding of ALU operations by completing practice exercises.

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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

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Acquire a foundational understanding of assembly code through online resources.

Browse courses on Assembly Code

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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

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Reinforce your understanding of assembly language by completing practice drills.

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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

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Enhance your understanding of code conversion by participating in study groups.

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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

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Deepen your understanding of CPU components by creating visual representations of them.

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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

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Gain a deeper understanding of pipelining challenges by developing a case study.

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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

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 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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