Computer Architecture with an Industrial RISC-V Core

Designing modern hardware requires a solid understanding of how processors execute instructions at the silicon level. This course demystifies computer architecture by focusing on RISC-V, the open-standard instruction set architecture that is shaping the future of computing. Through clear written explanations, code examples, and structured logic walks, you will transition from understanding basic gates to analyzing a commercial-grade RISC-V system-on-chip (SoC). You will gain the foundational knowledge needed to configure, simulate, and target processor cores to field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental principles of computer architecture, instruction set architectures, and memory hierarchies. - Explore the inner workings of an industrial-grade RISC-V processor core and its pipeline stages. - Analyze how a System-on-Chip (SoC) integrates memory, peripherals, and bus protocols. - Configure and run hardware simulations to trace instruction execution and debug processor behavior. - Learn how processor designs are mapped and targeted to FPGA hardware. - Investigate modern hardware design trends, including open-source tooling and custom instruction extensions. The course begins with essential architectural definitions and instruction set basics before diving into the microarchitecture of the RVfpga core. You will progress through memory systems, peripheral interfacing, and simulation techniques, building a comprehensive mental model of modern processor design. This course is designed for aspiring hardware engineers, computer science students, and tech enthusiasts who want a solid foundation in hardware design. No prior experience with FPGAs or RISC-V is required. Start reading today to unlock the fundamentals of modern open-source computer architecture.