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

Module 1: Introduction to the CPU

An introduction to the CPU, the importance of binary in Computing, and the central components of processors.

Module 2 The ALU and Decode Unit

An exploration of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the arithmetical and logical operations it carries out, often on a bit-by-bit level.

Module 3 The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

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.

Module 4 Assembly Language

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.

"Excellent introduction to microprocessors" Isabel Culmer, school/K-12 teacher in Computing and winner of the David Clark prize for teaching engineering

"Clear, concise and focused" Christian Broadway, Programme Director (Electronic Engineering) at Aston University, UK

"Very insightful and a good reinforcement of concepts I learnt at university and previous studies" Pradhay Amarnath, Software Engineering university/college student

"I took a System Architecture module (beginner level) as part of my university studies, and my learning experience would have improved greatly if this course was available back then." Mai Pham, Central Engineering, Arm