Computer architecture is often taught by having students use software to design and
simulate individual pieces of a computer processor. We have developed a method that will
take this classwork beyond software simulation into actual hardware implementation.
Students will be able to design, implement, and run a single-cycle MIPS processor on an
FPGA. This paper presents the major steps in this work: the FPGA implementation of a MIPS
processor, a debugging tool which provides complete control and observability of the …

Computer Design and Organization is a common upper-level engineering course that is
offered at universities throughout the world. In this class students often learn computer
design by implementing individual pieces of a computer processor. This approach has
important limitations: while students can complete and simulate their designs using software,
they do not get the chance to implement and run their designs. Studies of engineering
curriculums have shown that students learn better when given active, hands-on projects …