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Joshua Brake
and
David Harris
Microprocessors are an incredibly useful tool because they are cheap, flexible, and allow you to control physical systems in powerful ways. In this class, you will learn to build microprocessors as well as to program and build systems from them.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- Write simple programs in c and assembly language
- Build embedded systems involving software and hardware
- Design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors
- By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Write simple programs in c and assembly language
- Build embedded systems involving software and hardware
- Design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors
- By the end of this course, you should be able to:
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills that are important to industry
Teaches skills that can be used in academia
Develops foundational skills for beginners
Examines single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors, which are essential to industry
Explores C and assembly language, foundational tools
Is taught by instructors who have reputations in the field
Requires prior knowledge
Save this course
Save Computer Architecture to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Computer Architecture with these
activities:
Read 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach' by Hennessy and Patterson
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of computer architecture concepts, which are foundational to microprocessor design.
Show steps
-
Read each chapter thoroughly, taking detailed notes and highlighting key concepts.
-
Solve end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
-
Summarize and present the main ideas to enhance your retention.
Follow a tutorial on microprocessor design
Show steps
Expand your understanding of microprocessor design concepts and implementation techniques.
Browse courses on
Computer Architecture
Show steps
-
Identify a reputable tutorial or online course on microprocessor design.
-
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions.
-
Implement the concepts in your own microprocessor design project.
Participate in a study group with classmates
Show steps
Engage in collaborative learning and knowledge sharing to reinforce your understanding of microprocessors.
Show steps
-
Form a study group with 2-3 classmates.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems, and quiz each other.
-
Take turns leading the discussion and presenting concepts to the group.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve assembly language coding problems
Show steps
Sharpen your assembly language programming skills and improve your understanding of microprocessor instructions.
Browse courses on
Assembly Language
Show steps
-
Identify a coding challenge or Leetcode problem involving assembly language.
-
Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.
-
Write an assembly language program to solve the problem.
-
Test and debug the program to ensure it meets the problem requirements.
Practice C programming problems
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of C syntax and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
-
Identify a coding challenge or Leetcode problem.
-
Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.
-
Write a C program to solve the problem.
-
Test and debug the program to ensure it meets the problem requirements.
Build a simple embedded system project
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of microprocessors and embedded systems to create a practical project.
Browse courses on
Embedded Systems
Show steps
-
Design the hardware circuitry of your embedded system.
-
Write the software code for the microprocessor.
-
Integrate the hardware and software components.
-
Test and debug the system to ensure its functionality.
-
Present your project showcasing its features and capabilities.
Contribute to open-source microprocessor projects
Show steps
Gain practical experience in microprocessor design and contribute to the open-source community.
Show steps
-
Identify a suitable open-source microprocessor project on GitHub or other platforms.
-
Review the project's codebase and documentation.
-
Identify an area where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
-
Fork the project and make your changes.
-
Submit a pull request with your contributions.
Create a comprehensive study guide from course notes and materials
Show steps
Consolidate your learning materials for easy reference and effective revision.
Show steps
-
Gather all course notes, slides, assignments, and quizzes.
-
Identify key concepts and topics from each module.
-
Organize the materials into a structured and logical order.
-
Summarize and paraphrase the information in your own words.
-
Review the study guide regularly to refresh your understanding.
Read 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach' by Hennessy and Patterson
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of computer architecture concepts, which are foundational to microprocessor design.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read each chapter thoroughly, taking detailed notes and highlighting key concepts.
- Solve end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
- Summarize and present the main ideas to enhance your retention.
Follow a tutorial on microprocessor design
Show steps
Expand your understanding of microprocessor design concepts and implementation techniques.
Browse courses on
Computer Architecture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a reputable tutorial or online course on microprocessor design.
- Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions.
- Implement the concepts in your own microprocessor design project.
Participate in a study group with classmates
Show steps
Engage in collaborative learning and knowledge sharing to reinforce your understanding of microprocessors.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with 2-3 classmates.
- Meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems, and quiz each other.
- Take turns leading the discussion and presenting concepts to the group.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve assembly language coding problems
Show steps
Sharpen your assembly language programming skills and improve your understanding of microprocessor instructions.
Browse courses on
Assembly Language
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a coding challenge or Leetcode problem involving assembly language.
- Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.
- Write an assembly language program to solve the problem.
- Test and debug the program to ensure it meets the problem requirements.
Practice C programming problems
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of C syntax and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a coding challenge or Leetcode problem.
- Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.
- Write a C program to solve the problem.
- Test and debug the program to ensure it meets the problem requirements.
Build a simple embedded system project
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of microprocessors and embedded systems to create a practical project.
Browse courses on
Embedded Systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design the hardware circuitry of your embedded system.
- Write the software code for the microprocessor.
- Integrate the hardware and software components.
- Test and debug the system to ensure its functionality.
- Present your project showcasing its features and capabilities.
Contribute to open-source microprocessor projects
Show steps
Gain practical experience in microprocessor design and contribute to the open-source community.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a suitable open-source microprocessor project on GitHub or other platforms.
- Review the project's codebase and documentation.
- Identify an area where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
- Fork the project and make your changes.
- Submit a pull request with your contributions.
Create a comprehensive study guide from course notes and materials
Show steps
Consolidate your learning materials for easy reference and effective revision.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course notes, slides, assignments, and quizzes.
- Identify key concepts and topics from each module.
- Organize the materials into a structured and logical order.
- Summarize and paraphrase the information in your own words.
- Review the study guide regularly to refresh your understanding.
Career center
Learners who complete Computer Architecture will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Architect
Computer Architect
**Computer Architects** need to have a strong understanding of computer hardware, and this course can help someone who wishes to enter this field build a foundation. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors using simple programs in C and assembly language. It then teaches how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineer
As someone who specializes in designing, developing, and testing embedded systems, an **Embedded Systems Engineer** would find this course to be very useful. The course covers the basics of building embedded systems involving software and hardware. While the course does not delve into the specifics of embedded systems, it will provide a solid foundation to build from.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
**Systems Analysts** study the needs of an organization and then design and implement computer systems to meet those needs. The course can provide some of the core knowledge needed for the role by teaching students how to build microprocessors and how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
**Computer Systems Analysts** work to design, develop, and implement computer systems and applications. Some of the key responsibilities include analyzing user needs, designing system solutions, and implementing and maintaining systems. The course can provide some of the core knowledge needed for the role by teaching students how to build microprocessors and how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Since **Computer Hardware Engineers** work to design and develop computer systems, this course can be a great stepping stone into the field. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors, and then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. While this course does not cover the specifics of computer hardware engineering, the concepts taught will be very familiar and applicable. Many companies, such as Intel and AMD, hire computer hardware engineers.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
**Computer Programmers** write, test, and maintain the software that runs on computers. The course starts by teaching students how to write simple programs in C and assembly language. This knowledge can be useful for writing and maintaining software.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Manager
**Information Technology Managers** plan, implement, and maintain computer systems and networks. The course can be a helpful way to learn more about computer systems. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. This knowledge can be useful for managing computer systems and networks.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
The skills learned in this course can help someone who wants to become a **Software Engineer**. The course starts by teaching students how to write simple programs in C and assembly language. It then teaches how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. These skills can be used to build the software that runs on computer systems.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Those who have good technical writing skills and are interested in a career as a **Technical Writer** may find this course to be a useful way to learn more about computer systems. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. This knowledge can be useful for writing technical documentation for computer systems.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
**Network Administrators** design, implement, and maintain computer networks. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. This knowledge can be useful for designing and maintaining computer networks.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
**Robotics Engineers** design, build, and maintain robots. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. This knowledge can be useful for designing and building robots.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Those wanting to become **Electrical Engineers** may find this course helpful. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. These concepts can be applied to the design and development of electrical systems.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
**Biomedical Engineers** design, develop, and maintain medical equipment and devices. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. This knowledge can be useful for designing and developing medical equipment and devices.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
**Aerospace Engineers** design, develop, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. This knowledge can be useful for designing and developing aerospace systems.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
**Database Administrators** design, implement, and maintain databases. The course starts by teaching students how to build microprocessors. It then teaches on how to design single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors. This knowledge can be useful for designing and maintaining databases.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yyor22/computer
Reading list
We've selected six 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
Computer Architecture.
Classic textbook on computer architecture. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from basic concepts to advanced topics. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Is another classic textbook on computer architecture. It is similar in scope to Hennessy and Patterson's book, but it has a more practical focus. It good choice for students who are interested in learning about the design and implementation of computer systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems performance analysis. It covers topics such as performance metrics, workload characterization, and performance modeling. It good choice for students who are interested in learning about the analysis of computer systems performance.
Classic textbook on computer architecture. It is written from a programmer's perspective, and it provides a good overview of the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it good choice for students who are new to the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computing systems. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it good choice for students who are new to the field.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yyor22/computer
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Effort
7 to 12 hours per week for 14 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvey Mudd College
Instructors
Joshua Brake
David Harris
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Develops skills that are important to industry
Teaches skills that can be used in academia
Develops foundational skills for beginners
Examines single-cycle, multicycle, and pipelined microprocessors, which are essential to industry
Explores C and assembly language, foundational tools
Is taught by instructors who have reputations in the field
Requires prior knowledge
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