Developing Tools for Teaching RISC-V with Python, Verilog, Matplotlib, SVG, and ChatGPT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5753/ijcae.2024.5343Keywords:
Google Colab, Software Pipelining, Scheduling, GPUAbstract
The use of simulators is a facilitator for teaching computer architecture. However, the development of simulators and visualization tools provides a deeper understanding for students. This paper presents various tools for teaching RISC-V processor design. To motivate students, we used the Google Colab environment with Python to develop high-level implementations, alongside the Verilog language for more detailed RISC-V implementations. Interactive interfaces with graphical visualizations using the Matplotlib library and SVG vector format are presented. Due to Python's popularity, development is facilitated with the support of language models like ChatGPT to partially generate code for interfaces and visualizations. This work was developed in collaboration with students from the Computer Architecture course at the Federal University of Viçosa. All tools are open-source, aiming to be continued and serve as a foundation for exercises, examples, and more educational tools.
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