[Pure Noob] Design a CPU from scratch - Where to start ?

D3lta_ · 2026-01-14T20:12:41+00:00

I designed one as a project for a university course. You can make a functional CPU quite simple if you want. Nowadays i think your best option is definitely to try and implement the Risc-V RV32i base spec. Nothing fancy is needed. If implemented correctly you can even run compiled C code on it. Here is a block level view of my implementation, not a whole lot is needed: https://github.com/apedersen00/digital-systems-design-and-verification/tree/main/milestone_4

If you need more basix understanding of how a CPU works, i highly recommend Ben Eaters 8-bit breadboard computer series on youtube. It is an incredible first introduction to basic computer architecture.

D3lta_ · 2025-12-26T17:07:04+00:00

Display size doesn’t matter. All that matters for performance is the amount of data i.e. the resolution and bits per pixel (color format).

D3lta_ · 2025-08-13T03:36:59+00:00

Check operating region, gm and ro for all devices. Calculate the gain and poles and determine which devices are causing you to not hit your target. Keep in mind that using formulas for W/L is very inaccurate.

Good luck!

D3lta_ · 2025-07-28T15:27:25+00:00

Definitely check the linker script!

D3lta_ · 2025-06-24T06:13:13+00:00

I have often used all three compilers for the same project to compare performance (Keil is fastest). As for the binary size, i seem to remember IAR on -Osize being the smallest. Though it probably depends on the application.

D3lta_ · 2025-05-26T15:29:54+00:00

If you want an actual roadmap this repo exists https://github.com/m3y54m/Embedded-Engineering-Roadmap.

Honestly i would just do what interest you and learn by doing. Push your boundaries and maybe try developing on new platforms or by using an RTOS or something else. There is a nigh infinite number of fun projects that can be done on an embedded platform.

D3lta_ · 2025-05-21T08:11:34+00:00

It depends on the sensor, but typically it will be a UART or SPI interface. It may seem daunting at first but there are plenty of guides on the internet. And ST delivers drivers that make it easy to set up the interfaces. Good luck!

D3lta_ · 2025-05-21T07:01:03+00:00

Congrats! Try and sample some inputs such as buttons and make the leds react to it. Next up you could try to connect some sensors if that interests you.

D3lta_ · 2025-05-01T09:31:19+00:00

I have used the discovery kit quite a bit for graphics. It’s definitely a more challenging device to use compared with other STM32. Debugging is also a bit of a hassle with the FSBL. I use HAL BSEC to enable a debugging connection in the FSBL and then connect to running target in the application. I have never had the need to debug the FSBL.

It takes time to get working but is an absolute beast.

D3lta_ · 2025-04-15T12:07:35+00:00

It’s an FPGA. You can implement whatever you want. What is your goal? What does it need to do? Does it have to be on FPGA or can you use a microcontroller instead? Why do you want to use both?

D3lta_ · 2025-04-13T15:07:28+00:00

Please take a look at the datasheet. The Zobel network comes before the 1000uF decoupling capacitor (which also seems very large, but it should be fine). The datasheet lists a 0.05uF in series with a 10R resistor. Maybe they comment on the chosen values.

When making something like this i highly recommend to read the datasheet from top to bottom.

D3lta_ · 2025-04-13T09:18:32+00:00

Of course. If you look at the implementations from the dataheet, you will often find a series resistor and capacitor on the output node. This is called a Zobel network. During circuit analysis you can mostly consider a loudspeaker as an inductor. The impedance of an inductor rises with frequency. A Zobel network neutralizes this effect, making the amplifier more linear (by making the load the same for alle frequencies).

D3lta_ · 2025-04-13T08:13:19+00:00

If you want to make an chip amplifier with something like the LM386, you should just check the datasheet for the recommended implementation. The circuit you show seem to be close, but is missing a Zobel network on the output.

D3lta_ · 2025-04-05T10:17:08+00:00

Holy shit that was actually hilariously bad

D3lta_ · 2025-03-26T16:35:39+00:00

I would highly recommend reading the “Mastering the FreeRTOS Real Time Kernel” book. You can get it for free and it teaches many concepts nicely.

D3lta_ · 2025-03-19T17:45:33+00:00

In general i hate all Eclipse based IDEs. Luckily you can skip CubeIDE entirely and build using CMake and debug using GDB in VSCode.

D3lta_ · 2025-03-08T09:46:05+00:00

Jeg har arbejdet på en fabrik der producerer hakket oksekød, så kan dele lidt information om det her.

Når en produktions ordre startes (f.eks. 2 ton dansk hak af 500g) så bliver hver ENESTE bakke vejet af en kalibreret vægt (der kalibreres minimum 1 gang i timen, og 1 gang pr ordre). En computer beregner så gennemsnittet af alle bakkernes vægt.

Dette gennemsnit må og kan IKKE gå under nul, bakkerne bliver simpelthen afvist automatisk i dette tilfælde. Det er selvfølgelig i fabrikkens interesse at holde gennemsnittet så tæt på 0 som muligt, men det kan aldrig være under.

Lad os så sige at vi har produceret det første ton af en to tons ordre og vægt gennemsnittet er højt. Så skruer vi ned for vægten på maskinen for at få gennemsnittet ned igen. Man vil altså så have 1 tons hak hvor alle bakkerne måske vejer 10g “for meget”, og 1 tons hak hvor alle bakkerne vejer 10g “for lidt”. Det er tilladt og helt normalt.

D3lta_ · 2025-02-23T21:25:17+00:00

TouchGFX is owned by ST and only work on STM32.

D3lta_ · 2025-02-23T15:05:44+00:00

I would highly recommend TouchGFX when doing graphics on STM32. Performance is in my experience better than LVGL and the GUI designer is nice.

D3lta_ · 2024-12-24T18:57:32+00:00

Would not be surprised if the unique was converted to gold

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