Introduction to Processors

This lecture introduces the basics of processors, covering digital logic functionality, sequential building blocks, combinational logic, memories, and software tools for FPGA programming and design testing. It delves into a simple program example, explaining data manipulation and program flow. The lecture progresses to discuss the components of processors, including datapath and control path, along with hardware requirements such as ALU, register file, and control logic. It also explores the Von Neumann architecture, the importance of Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), and the significance of fixing an ISA for binary compatibility and innovation.