Introduction to Computer Architecture

Processor Project · Week 2 of 11

execute_unit

Released Mon Oct 5, 08:00 · Due Mon Oct 12, 20:00

Block Diagram

Draw a block diagram of the single-cycle cpu_core you will build in week 3. Your processor should handle every week 3 instruction in the ISA scope table.

Your diagram should resemble the single-cycle block diagram from lecture, but it won't be identical.

Aspire to make it detailed: ideally, label every signal with its name and width (e.g., alu_result[31:0]). It doesn't have to be complete or perfect, and a clear photo of a whiteboard sketch is fine this week. Next week you will revise it to match what you actually build.

The block diagram is graded for feedback: credit is for a good-faith attempt, and we'll return comments, not a score.

Also note which member of your group is responsible for each component, either as annotations on the diagram or in a separate README.

We strongly recommend that you have different people write the testbench and the implementation for a given module—everyone in your group should plan to write at least one testbench and one module.

Hints & FAQ

What should I use to draw the diagram?

Anything that produces a clear, legible diagram is fine, but this diagram is big: dozens of blocks and labeled buses, revised every few weeks. Pick a tool whose wires stay attached when you move blocks around.

• draw.io (diagrams.net) is our recommendation. It is free, runs in the browser or as a desktop app, and is widely used in industry. The VS Code extension can save a .drawio.svg file, which is both the editable source and an image you can view directly in your repository.
• Lucidchart works well if your group wants to edit the diagram together live; sign up with your UCSD email for the free education plan.
• TikZ, if you already know LaTeX well.

General-purpose drawing tools such as Google Drawings, PowerPoint, or Keynote are fine for a quick sketch, but they get painful at this size.

This week, a clear photo of a whiteboard sketch is fine. If you use a drawing tool, though, you will revise this diagram next week, so keep the editable source file in your repository, not just an exported image.