Picture this: you’ve set your sights on mastering RISC-V, eager to unlock the potential of this groundbreaking open-source processor architecture. You know it’ll boost your skill set, make you more attractive in the competitive tech world, and even open up new career opportunities. But as you dive into the world of RISC-V, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of resources available. *Cue the record scratch* Fear not, aspiring techie! We’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a curated selection of top-notch online courses tailored for those itching to get their hands dirty with RISC-V. Whether you’re an experienced engineer looking to upskill, or a tech-savvy newbie yearning for a challenge, our carefully selected courses cater to a range of experience levels and learning styles. So buckle up and get ready to kick your RISC-V journey into high gear!
Risc V Courses – Table of Contents
- Embedded Fun with RISC-V, Part 1: The RISC-V ISA
- Embedded Fun with RISC-V, Part 2: Embedded Applications
- VSD – Making the Raven chip: How to design a RISC-V SoC
- RISC processor with own Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
- VSD – RISCV : Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) – Part 1a
- VSD – Pipelining RISC-V with Transaction-Level Verilog
- VSD – Mixed-signal RISC-V based SoC on FPGA
- VSD – RISCV : Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) – Part 1b
Embedded Fun with RISC-V, Part 1: The RISC-V ISA
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.6 out of 5
Dive into the world of RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture with this comprehensive online course! By participating, you’ll develop applications on a real RISC-V microcontroller, working with an affordable board to create hands-on embedded applications. This course is just the first part of a four-part curriculum, guiding you through the RISC-V ISA, embedded applications, real-time operating systems, and even taking a peek inside an RTOS.
Throughout this course, you’ll become familiar with various topics, such as RISC philosophy, the RISC-V foundation, CPU registers, addressing modes, modular instruction set variants, and more. You’ll also get hands-on experience with the GD32 board by Seeed Studio, Segger Embedded Studio, and debugging and disassembling code. So, are you ready to kickstart your journey into the fascinating universe of RISC-V ISA?
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture
- Developing applications using on-chip peripherals
- Creating and managing Real Time Operating System (RTOS) applications
- Comprehending the inner workings of an RTOS
- Familiarity with the GDBoard by Seeed Studio
- Navigating and using Segger Embedded Studio for project creation and code compilation
- Debugging embedded applications
- Analyzing disassembled code
Embedded Fun with RISC-V, Part 2: Embedded Applications
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.5 out of 5
Ready to dive into the world of RISC-V and embedded applications? This online course is designed to help you gain hands-on experience with the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) while developing applications on an actual RISC-V microcontroller! The course is part of a two-step curriculum, with the first part focusing on the RISC-V ISA, and the second part on creating embedded applications using the on-chip peripherals.
The course utilizes an affordable GD32V Dev Board by Seeed Studio, which offers you the option to follow along with the hands-on projects at just $6.90 per board. But don’t stress if you don’t want to purchase a board – you can still succeed in this course by watching the videos and engaging with the written materials! You’ll explore various topics such as the development platform, GPIO, Analog I/O, Timers, Serial Communication, and Interrupts. By the end, you’ll be well-versed with RISC-V microcontrollers and ready to take on the world of embedded development. So, gear up for an insightful and engaging learning experience!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
- Developing embedded applications using on-chip peripherals
- Working with the GDdevelopment board and Segger Embedded Studio
- Utilizing GPIO and analog I/O (ADC and DAC)
- Implementing and configuring timers (Input Capture, Output Compare, PWM)
- Mastering serial communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, USB)
- Managing and implementing interrupts in a RISC-V microcontroller
- Following an interrupt-driven development process
VSD – Making the Raven chip: How to design a RISC-V SoC
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
3.9 out of 5
Are you intrigued by the idea of building a city – or in this case, planning a chip? Well, it’s time to dive into chip planning and discover the art of decision making in this fascinating field. With elements such as analog peripheral, digital peripheral, memory mapping, top-level connections like pad-frame, level-shifters, and GPIO, you’ll learn how to create an impressive System-on-Chip (SoC). And you know what’s exciting? There’s no standard definition for GPIOs which allows for endless creativity.
Join this insightful webinar, conducted on March 10, 2018, led by experts Tim Edwards and Mohamed Kassem for an enriching learning experience. By the end of this course, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Core SoC designer and even writing your own datasheet. So, get ready to upskill in the semiconductor and chip design industry with this one-of-a-kind webinar. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best, and happy learning!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Chip planning fundamentals
- Analog and digital peripheral selection and integration
- Memory mapping techniques
- Top-level connections, pad-frame, and level-shifters
- GPIO design and customization
- Navigating microcontroller documentation
- Building and configuring a System-on-Chip (SoC)
- Writing your own data sheet
RISC processor with own Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.4 out of 5
This online course delves into the fascinating world of Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) as it guides participants on building their very own ISA from scratch. By exploring different types of instructions, addressing methods, and instruction formats, learners will develop an in-depth understanding of the foundations of ISA. The course also covers RISC features, providing clarity on how to think about processors in general.
Throughout the course, learners will engage with various components of RISC architecture, such as Instruction Memory units, Fetch units, Decoder units, Register files, ALUs, and Data memory. Through examination and analysis of these elements, participants will grasp the flow of executing instructions and become familiar with the processes involved, from fetching and decoding instructions to executing operations and storing results. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the RISC processor and its functions.
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) and its types
- Building a custom ISA with addressing and naming
- Exploring RISC features and processor architecture
- Learning to specify address for registers and different instruction types
- Defining instruction formats for R, I, J, B, Load, and Store types
- Analyzing the flow of instruction execution through various modules
- Understanding the role of the Instruction Memory Unit, Fetch Unit, and Decoder Unit
- Gaining a comprehensive understanding of RISC processor architecture and its workflow
VSD – RISCV : Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) – Part 1a
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
3.9 out of 5
RISC-V is a fantastic open-source RISC instruction set architecture, and this course is dedicated to helping you understand it from the ground up. You’ll not only learn about the architecture itself, but also its real-world applications and the importance of robust computer architecture. The course covers everything from signed/unsigned integer representation to RV64IMFD Instruction set, using engaging visuals and examples to make learning easy and enjoyable.
What’s truly unique about this course is the approach to microprocessor and micro-controller related content, which aims to break conventions and provide a fresh perspective. Course creator credits much of the inspiration to SiFive, the company founded by the creators of RISC-V, and Prof. David Patterson, whose book “Computer Organization And Design: RISCV edition” proved indispensable. So, are you ready to dive deep into the world of computer architecture? Just hit play and let’s get inside computers together!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understand the basics of RISC-V instruction set architecture.
- Recognize the importance of computer architecture in real-time applications.
- Develop robust specifications for system design.
- Learn signed/unsigned integer representation in RISC-V.
- Master the RV64IMFD instruction set with clear examples.
- Understand conventions like IMFD in micro-processor and micro-controller courses.
- Implement specifications in Verilog/VHDL.
- Utilize open-source EDA toolchains for RTL placement and routing.
VSD – Pipelining RISC-V with Transaction-Level Verilog
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.4 out of 5
If you’ve ever wondered about building high-quality Verilog models in half the time, then this webinar might just be what you’re looking for. Held on 10th February 2018, it was titled “Pipelining RISC-V with Transaction-Level Verilog,” featuring Steve Hoover, the founder of Redwood EDA and Makerchip Platform. The webinar introduces a new technology that is said to help reduce your Verilog code size by about 3.5x, letting you create any digital sequential logic faster than ever before – and all within your browser!
This webinar is an excellent match for those who have taken the RISC-V ISA course on Udemy, as it demonstrates efficient RTL implementation of some instructions. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and open yourself up to a new way of writing your Verilog code and implementing pipelining in your processor. Remember, change is the only constant! Enjoy the webinar, and happy learning!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Build high-quality Verilog models efficiently
- Implement a processor using Verilog
- Reduce Verilog code size using new technology
- Create digital sequential logic quickly
- Adapt to change in Verilog coding techniques
- Implement pipelining for processors
- Understand Transaction-Level Verilog
- Efficiently implement RTL for RISC-V instructions
VSD – Mixed-signal RISC-V based SoC on FPGA
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4 out of 5
Looking for a way to dive into the world of mixed-signal FPGA and SoC design? Don’t miss out on this insightful webinar brought to you by VSD and RedwoodEDA. As an extension of their 5-day RISC-V based MYTH workshop, this webinar focuses on converting RISC-V pipe-lined CPU coded in TL-Verilog to Verilog language and integrating it into a mixed-signal SoC. If you’ve participated in the MYTH workshop, this is an excellent opportunity for you to take your learning to the next level.
Whether you’re an ASIC/physical design specialist or an FPGA designer, this webinar aims to bridge the gap between various domains of VLSI and serves as a starting point for design verification discussions. By exploring the similarities and differences between ASIC and FPGA flows, you’ll gain a better understanding of when to choose each approach and why it’s preferred. Keep an eye out for their follow-up series and hands-on high-intensity FPGA workshops, which will utilize OpenFPGA framework and Makerchip visualization software. This unique approach means that you can learn FPGA fundamentals through labs without the need for a physical FPGA board. Gear up for some innovative learning, and happy learning to you!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Basic mixed-signal FPGA flow understanding
- RISC-V pipeline CPU coding in TL-Verilog
- ASIC and FPGA flow comparisons
- Design verification techniques
- Collaboration between VLSI, analog, FPGA, and ASIC designers
- FPGA fundamentals and applications
- Utilizing OpenFPGA framework
- Makerchip visualization software usage
VSD – RISCV : Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) – Part 1b
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4 out of 5
Are you ready to dive deeper into the world of RISC-V architecture? Continuing from the previous course, “VSD – RISCV: Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) – Part 1a,” which focused on RV64I integer instructions and a sample program coded in RISC-V assembly language, this course takes a step further to explore advanced topics. You’ll learn about the multiply extension (RV64M) and floating point extension (RV64FD) of the RISC-V architecture, which are crucial in today’s rapidly changing computing world.
Before taking this course, it’s recommended that you’re familiar with at least 70% of the content from Part 1a. Gearing up for an upcoming course covering RISC-V ISA coding with Verilog, this current course also delves into hardware aspects. A big thank you goes out to SiFive, the company founded by RISC-V ISA creators, as well as Prof. David Patterson and his book “Computer Organization And Design – RISCV edition” for contributing valuable resources to the course. Are you ready to dig deeper into the exciting world of computers? Let’s get started, and happy learning!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Advanced understanding of RISC-V architecture
- Proficiency in RV6integer instructions
- Familiarity with RV6multiply extension
- Knowledge of RV64FD floating point extension
- Comprehension of RISC-V assembly language
- Insights about relevant hardware components
- Preparation for coding RISC-V ISA using Verilog
- Strong foundation for computer organization and design
In conclusion, RISC-V architecture courses offer an extensive, hands-on learning experience that will prove invaluable to anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of the subject. Whether you’re a computer science student, a software engineer looking to expand your skill set, or simply have a passion for technology, there’s no better time to dive into the world of RISC-V.
As the popularity of this open-source architecture continues to grow, it’s crucial to stay informed and competitive in the job market. Taking online RISC-V courses allows flexible learning on your own schedule and at your own pace. Soon enough, you’ll become familiar with this game-changing technology and be confident in applying your newfound knowledge to your academic or professional pursuits. So, why wait any longer? Dive into one of these RISC-V online courses and give yourself an edge in the tech industry!