Build Your Own Single-Cycle RISC-V CPU from Scratch

CPU design RTL to Simulation

What you'll learn
- Design a fully functional Single-Cycle RISC-V processor from scratch using Verilog HDL that can run your C program.
- Understand the complete instruction execution flow — from fetch and decode to execute, memory access, and write-back.
- Implement and simulate key hardware modules including ALU, Register File, Control Unit, and Memory using Icarus Verilog and GTKWave.
- Decode and execute RV32I instructions and understand the bit-level structure of RISC-V ISA formats (R, I, S, B, U, and J).
- Integrate all components into a top-level CPU design and verify its functionality with custom testbenches.
- Gain the confidence to extend your design into pipelined or SoC-based architectures for advanced projects.

Requirements
- Basic understanding of digital electronics
- Some familiarity with Verilog HDL syntax

Description
Ever wondered how a CPU works at the signal level — not just conceptually, buttruly inside?This course is your step-by-step guide tobuilding your own Single-Cycle RISC-V processor from scratch, usingVerilogandindustry-style RTL design methods.

We’ll start from the fundamentals — understanding theRISC-V ISA, instruction formats, and architecture flow — and gradually move toward creating acomplete working CPU corecapable of executing instructions, handling memory, and performing control operations.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only have a fully functionalsingle-cycle RISC-V CPU, but also adeep understanding of processor internals— knowledge that directly translates into real-world RTL design and verification roles.

What You’ll Learn

Design and implement aSingle-Cycle RISC-V processorin Verilog

Understand theRISC-V instruction formats and dataflow architecture

Create and integrate key modules — ALU, Control Unit, Register File, Memory, and more

Write testbenches tosimulate and verifyyour CPU’s functionality

Gainindustry-level exposureto RTL design flow and debugging techniques

Tools & Environment

Verilog (any simulator: ModelSim, Vivado, or online tools like EDA Playground)

RISC-V ISA reference

A text editor and logic-level curiosity

Who Is This Course For

Students and engineers interested inVLSI, RTL design, or computer architecture

Anyone who wants tobuild, not justlearn about, a CPU

Beginners looking for a clear, hands-on start inRISC-V and digital design

Hardware enthusiasts who want to connect architecture theory with real implementation

Who this course is for:
- Project builders or research students looking for a strong foundation before designing a pipelined or SoC-based processor.
- If you’ve ever wondered how a CPU executes your code, this course is for you
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