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Building a Processor with Verilog HDL from Scratch

Kumar Khandagle

Most of the 21st-century applications require powerful hardware but also along with the centralized controller allowing the development of complex algorithms. As we enter into the AI or Cloud-based devices and as systems complexity is growing daily, the need for incorporating multiple processor instances becomes mandatory as we progress in the AI era. Zynq and Microblaze are two popular alternatives that exist in the market suitable for almost any application requirements. The requirements of using Multiple instances of Processor viz. Multiple instances of Microblaze soft processor or using a hard processor such as Zynq Processor along with single or multiple instances of  Microblazer become necessary to independently handle both Data processing and control requirements. The fundamental challenge of incorporating multiple instances of Soft processors like Microblaze is the number of resources consumed for implementing Microblaze on the FPGA. Since FPGA consists of a limited amount of the FPGA resources, hardware and Software partition plays a prominent role in building complex systems. Another popular alternative approach followed by Embedded Engineers to build a Custom CPU /   Processor with the only required functionality thereby saving a large amount of the resources as compared to adding Microblaze instance. The course will discuss all the fundamentals required to build a simple processor/ CPU with Verilog HDL and strategies to test its functionality. After completing this course, you will understand all the necessary skills required to build Complex CPU architecture to meet requirements. Best wishes for crafting your own processor.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Startegies to implement verilog based cpu
  • Buliding custom intruction set to meet resource utilizations
  • Strategies to add program and data memory inside processor
  • Strategies to add jump and branching instructions inside processor

Syllabus

Adding Arithmetic Unit
Understanding Processor architecture
Agenda
Types of Instructions
Read more
Addressing Modes
Understanding Intruction Register
Adding Instruction Register and GPR to Processor
Understanding Arithmetic and Move intructions of Processor
Adding MOV Instructions
Adding Arithmetic Instructions
Adding TB to verify Instructions P1
Adding TB to verify Instructions P2
Design Code
Testbench Code
OneNote Slides
A11 : Testing Multiplication operation
Adding Logical Unit
Supported Logical Operations
Adding Logical operations to RTL
Adding TB to verify Logical Operations
Analyzing RTL output
A21 : Testing Logical Operation in Register mode
Adding Conditions Flags
Condition flags usage
Logic for Carry flag
Logic for Overflow flag
Logic for Sign, and Zero Flag
Adding Sign flag to RTL
Adding Carry flag to RTL
Adding Zero flag to RTL
Adding Overflow flag to RTL
Verifying operation of condition flags
OneNote Slide
Adding Program and Data memory
Processor architecture based on Memory model
Working with Memory Generator IP
Code
COE File
Working with Verilog arrays
Adding Memory to Processor RTL P1
Converting independent always block to tasks
Adding logic to read Instructions from Program Memory after fixed delay
Adding Instructions to work with Ports and Data Memory
Program use for testing operation of RTL
Adding TB to verify operation of RTL
A41
Adding Jumping and Branching Instructions
Branch and Jump Instructions our processor support
Operation of Jump Instructions
Adding Jump instructions to Processor RTL
Modifying FSM to incorporate Jump, Branch and Halt : Flowchart
Adding FSM to RTL
Testing existing program with new FSM
Code to Verify Jump and Branch Instructions
Executing Testbench Code
Program memory content

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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 Building a Processor with Verilog HDL from Scratch with these activities:
Review Digital Logic Design Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of digital logic design concepts, which are foundational to building a processor. This will help you grasp the Verilog implementation more easily.
Browse courses on Digital Logic Design
Show steps
  • Review Boolean algebra and logic gates.
  • Study combinational and sequential logic circuits.
  • Practice designing simple digital circuits.
Review 'Digital Design and Computer Architecture'
Deepen your understanding of computer architecture principles, which are essential for designing a processor from scratch. This book provides a solid foundation and complements the course material.
View Digital Design and Computer Architecture on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on processor architecture and design.
  • Study the examples of different CPU designs.
  • Work through the exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Implement Basic Logic Functions in Verilog
Solidify your Verilog skills by implementing basic logic functions like AND, OR, XOR, and NOT gates. This hands-on practice will prepare you for more complex processor design tasks.
Show steps
  • Write Verilog code for basic logic gates.
  • Simulate the gates to verify their functionality.
  • Combine gates to create more complex circuits.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Computer Organization and Design'
Explore advanced concepts in computer organization and design to deepen your understanding of processor architecture. This book provides a comprehensive overview and complements the course material.
View Computer Organization and Design on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on pipelining and memory hierarchy.
  • Study the examples of different processor architectures.
  • Work through the exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Design a Simple ALU in Verilog
Apply your knowledge by designing a simple Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in Verilog. This project will reinforce your understanding of processor components and Verilog coding.
Show steps
  • Define the functionality of the ALU.
  • Write Verilog code for the ALU components.
  • Simulate and test the ALU thoroughly.
  • Document your design and testing process.
Create a Blog Post on Processor Design Challenges
Reflect on the challenges of processor design and share your insights in a blog post. This will help you consolidate your learning and communicate your understanding to others.
Show steps
  • Research common challenges in processor design.
  • Write a blog post summarizing your findings.
  • Include examples and illustrations to clarify your points.
  • Publish your blog post online.
Contribute to an Open-Source Verilog Project
Gain practical experience by contributing to an open-source Verilog project. This will expose you to real-world coding practices and collaborative development.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Verilog project on GitHub.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
  • Respond to feedback from the project maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Building a Processor with Verilog HDL from Scratch will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
CPU Designer
A Central Processing Unit Designer focuses on the architecture and implementation of CPUs. This course is directly applicable, offering hands-on experience in building a processor from scratch using Verilog Hardware Description Language. The course encompasses critical areas such as instruction set design, arithmetic and logical unit implementation, and memory management. Gaining insight on how to add jump and branching instructions are helpful. This is the perfect course to learn about CPU design.
See salaries and explore the career path for CPU Designer
Computer Architect
The role of a Computer Architect involves designing and developing the overall structure and organization of computer systems, including processors, memory systems, and interconnections. This course is highly relevant as it provides hands-on experience in building a processor from scratch using Verilog Hardware Description Language. A Computer Architect needs to understand the intricacies of processor design, instruction set architecture, and memory management, all of which are covered in detail. Learning about adding arithmetic units and logical units are essential as a Computer Architect. Understanding of Verilog also helps in verifying designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architect
FPGA Engineer
The role of an FPGA Engineer involves designing, developing, and implementing digital circuits and systems using Field Programmable Gate Arrays. This course directly aligns with the core responsibilities of an FPGA Engineer, as it provides hands-on experience in building a processor from scratch using Verilog Hardware Description Language, a fundamental skill for any FPGA design. Understanding processor architecture, designing custom instruction sets, and implementing memory interfaces, as covered in the course, are crucial aspects of FPGA-based system design. Anyone stepping into the role of FPGA Engineer should take this course in order to gain experience in building a custom processor.
See salaries and explore the career path for FPGA Engineer
Digital Design Engineer
A Digital Design Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing digital circuits and systems. This course is valuable as it offers practical experience in building a processor from scratch using Verilog HDL, a fundamental skill for Digital Design Engineers. The course covers processor architecture, instruction sets, and memory organization, all of which are crucial for digital circuit design. The course's sections on adding arithmetic and logical units, condition flags, and program and data memory are all critical to this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Design Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer develops software and hardware for embedded systems, often involving custom processors or specialized hardware. This course offers practical experience in building a processor with Verilog HDL, allowing an Embedded Systems Engineer to optimize hardware resources and tailor processors for specific application requirements. The course's focus on adding jump and branching instructions inside the processor will allow an Embedded Systems Engineer to craft highly customized hardware solutions. One pursuing the role of Embedded Systems Engineer will benefit from this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
System on a Chip Designer
A System on a Chip Designer integrates various components, including processors, memory, and peripherals, into a single chip. This course directly applies to this role by providing skills in building processors using Verilog HDL. The course helps a System on a Chip Designer understand how to optimize resource utilization and customize processors for specific application needs. The course is important in learning processor architectures.
See salaries and explore the career path for System on a Chip Designer
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer systems and components. This course provides knowledge about processor architecture, instruction sets, and memory organization, which are crucial for understanding the design of computer hardware. The course's focus on building a processor from scratch using Verilog HDL teaches Hardware Engineers how to implement custom hardware solutions and optimize performance. The course's sections on adding arithmetic and logical units, condition flags, and program & data memory are all critical to working as a Hardware Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
Verification Engineer
A Verification Engineer is responsible for ensuring the correctness and reliability of hardware designs through rigorous testing and validation. This course is highly relevant as it includes strategies to test the functionality of the designed processor using Verilog HDL testbenches. The course's focus on creating testbenches to verify arithmetic, logical, and memory operations will enable a Verification Engineer to develop comprehensive verification plans for complex hardware systems. The course shows how to add logical units, condition flags, and program & data memory.
See salaries and explore the career path for Verification Engineer
AI Accelerator Designer
The role of an Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Designer involves creating specialized hardware to speed up Machine Learning and Deep Learning tasks. This course is useful because it provides the fundamentals of processor design using Verilog. The course covers understanding and implementation of custom instruction sets, adding memory interfaces, and testing processor functionality, which are all important for designing efficient AI Accelerators. Anyone wishing to become an Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Designer should consider this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for AI Accelerator Designer
Robotics Engineer
The role of a Robotics Engineer is to design, build, test, and maintain robots and robotic systems. This course offers hands-on knowledge of building custom processors and optimizing hardware resources, valuable for designing embedded systems within robots. The course's sections on adding arithmetic units, logical units, and memory interfaces can help a Robotics Engineer create efficient and specialized control systems for robotic applications. Understanding Verilog HDL improves development efficiency.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineering is a broad field, and this course may be useful, as it provides a deep dive into processor design. The course's use of Verilog HDL can help one understand how hardware and software interact at a fundamental level. By learning how to build a processor from scratch, a Computer Engineer gains a greater appreciation for system-level design and optimization. The course's sections on adding jump and branching instructions may be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer
VLSI Engineer
A Very Large Scale Integration Engineer designs and tests integrated circuits. This course may be useful to a VLSI Engineer as it covers the fundamentals of processor design using Verilog HDL, a language widely used in VLSI design. The course's focus on building custom instruction sets, adding memory interfaces, and testing the processor functionality are all relevant to the tasks performed by Very Large Scale Integration Engineers. Adding logical and arithmetic units may be helpful when stepping into the role of Very Large Scale Integration Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for VLSI Engineer
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops low-level software that controls hardware devices. This course may be useful to a Firmware Engineer, especially if they work with custom hardware or need to optimize firmware for specific processor architectures. The course helps understand how processors work at a low level and how to interface with them effectively. The course's sections on adding program and data memory, as well as jump and branching instructions gives Firmware Engineers the tools to optimize for specific hardware.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer
Hardware Security Engineer
Hardware Security Engineering involves designing secure hardware systems that are resistant to attacks. This course can be a stepping stone, as it provides a deep understanding of processor architecture and implementation. The course's sections on instruction set design and memory management are particularly relevant, as they provide insight into potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. One who wishes to enter Hardware Security Engineering may want to take this course in order to gain useful information.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Security Engineer
Technical Trainer
Individuals in the role of Technical Trainer are responsible for developing and delivering training programs on technical topics, and this course will be helpful to one who trains on processor design, hardware description languages, or FPGA development. The course provides a solid, practical foundation in building a processor from scratch using Verilog HDL that can be shared with those who want to learn. Adding arithmetic units or logical units may be useful for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Trainer

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Building a Processor with Verilog HDL from Scratch.
Cover image
Digital Design and Computer Architecture
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital design and computer architecture, covering topics from basic logic gates to processor design. It is particularly useful for understanding the underlying principles of CPU architecture and how different components interact. The book serves as a valuable reference for understanding the concepts discussed in the course and provides additional depth on processor design techniques. It is commonly used as a textbook in computer engineering courses.
Digital Design and Computer Architecture
Paperback
Check
Digital Design and Computer Architecture
Kindle Edition
Check
Computer Organization and Design
Save
Classic textbook on computer organization and design, providing a detailed explanation of processor architecture, memory systems, and I/O. It is particularly useful for understanding the design trade-offs involved in building a processor. The book valuable reference for understanding advanced concepts and provides additional depth on processor optimization techniques. It is commonly used as a textbook in computer architecture courses.
Computer Organization and Design
Paperback
Check
Computer Organization and Design
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
3 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Kumar Khandagle
Language
English
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