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Free module

Computer architecture

Learn computer architecture hands on: binary, logic gates, RISC-V, the CPU cycle, caches and pipelines, in a real VM.

6 lessons325 min lessonFoundations

The lessons

Each lesson is free to read in full. Create a free account to run its commands in a live lab and to sit its quizzes and tasks.

  1. 1 · Virtual machine lab

    Storing numbers and text as bits

    I can store numbers and text as bits.

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  2. 2 · Virtual machine lab

    Building an adder from logic gates

    I can build an adder from logic gates.

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  3. 3 · Virtual machine lab

    Reading a processor's own instructions (RISC-V)

    I can read a short RISC-V program.

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  4. 4 · Virtual machine lab

    How a processor runs each instruction (fetch-execute cycle)

    I can follow fetch, decode and execute for one instruction.

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  5. 5 · Virtual machine lab

    Why a cache makes memory fast

    I can explain why a cache makes memory fast.

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  6. 6 · Virtual machine lab

    Overlapping instructions to run faster (pipelines)

    I can say how a pipeline speeds a processor up and what stalls it.

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Worked in a real lab

Every lesson of this module is worked in a lab started for you alone. The labs it uses:

Teaching a class? Set this module for your students with a teacher guide, marked assignments and a lab for every student.