Introduction to Microprocessors

Coursera MOOC / Non-credit USD 49
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Introduction to Microprocessors

About this course

Introduction to Microprocessors is targeted at anyone with an interest in learning the basics of computer architecture, microprocessors and CPUs. Do you 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 prioritize 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. To get the most out of this course, learners should already be familiar with basic Boolean algebra and have experience of programming in object code, such as Python or C.

What you'll learn

  • understand the fundamentals of microprocessor architecture
  • explain the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle
  • describe the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  • differentiate between types of memory and their uses
  • outline the process of converting high-level code to machine code
  • recognize how assembly language fits between high-level and machine code

Skills you'll gain

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