Introduction to Microprocessors

Overview

What you'll 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

Syllabus 8

1. Module 1: Introduction to the CPU
2. An introduction to the CPU, the importance of binary in Computing, and the central components of processors.
3. Module 2 The ALU and Decode Unit
4. An exploration of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the arithmetical and logical operations it carries out, often on a bit-by-bit level.
5. Module 3 The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
6. A discussion of the Fetch-Execute or Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle (FDE). Consideration of some elements which impact the performance of the CPU, the connecting types of memory, and pipelining.
7. Module 4 Assembly Language
8. Discussion of the need for machine code and the process to convert object code to machine code. A practical introduction to assembly language through the BSim emulator.

Skills you'll practise

Computer HardwareMachine CodeArithmetic Logic UnitMicroprocessorArithmeticOperationsComputer ArchitectureC# (Programming Language)

Advantages and disadvantages

Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.

Before you start

Experience of programming in object code, such as Python or C Basic Boolean algebra (AND, OR, XOR, NOT)

Taught by

• Oli HowsonLecturer in Computing & Communications
• Visakh AjithPerformance Analysis Engineer
• Suzanne CandanedoSenior Software Engineer
• Awadhy MohammedApprentice Software Engineer
• Gianluca CantoneCPU Design Engineer
• Jay PiamjariyakulVerification Engineer
• Angeliki Agathi TsintziraSenior Software Engineer