By Steve Leibson
ISBN-10: 0123724988
ISBN-13: 9780123724984
Microprocessor cores used for SOC layout are the direct descendents of Intel's unique 4004 microprocessor. simply as packaged microprocessor ICs range extensively of their attributes, so do microprocessors packaged as IP cores. even though, SOC designers nonetheless examine and choose processor cores the way in which they formerly in comparison and chosen packaged microprocessor ICs. the large challenge with this feature procedure is that it assumes that the legislation of the microprocessor universe have remained unchanged for many years. This assumption isn't any longer valid.
Processor cores for SOC designs may be way more plastic than microprocessor ICs for board-level procedure designs. Shaping those cores for particular purposes produces far better processor potency and masses reduce process clock premiums. jointly, Tensilica's Xtensa and Diamond processor cores represent a relations of software-compatible microprocessors protecting a really huge functionality variety from basic keep watch over processors, to DSPs, to 3-way superscalar processors. but all of those processors use a similar software-development instruments in order that programmers accustomed to one processor within the relatives can simply swap to another.
This e-book emphasizes a processor-centric MPSOC (multiple-processor SOC) layout type formed by way of the realities of the 21st-century and nanometer silicon. It advocates the project of initiatives to firmware-controlled processors every time attainable to maximise SOC flexibility, reduce strength dissipation, decrease the scale and variety of hand-built good judgment blocks, slash the linked verification attempt, and reduce the general layout chance.
· a vital, no-nonsense advisor to the layout of 21st-century mega-gate SOCs utilizing nanometer silicon.
· Discusses present day key matters affecting SOC layout, in response to author's a long time of private event in constructing huge electronic structures as a layout engineer whereas operating at Hewlett-Packard's computer machine department and at EDA pc pioneer Cadnetix, and masking such themes as an award-winning expertise journalist and editor-in-chief for EDN journal and the Microprocessor Report.
· Explores conventionally authorised barriers and perceived limits of processor-based approach layout after which explodes those synthetic constraints via a clean outlook on and dialogue of the detailed talents of processor cores designed particularly for SOC design.
· Thorough exploration of the evolution of processors and processor cores used for ASIC and SOC layout with a glance at the place the has come from, and the place it really is going.
· Easy-to-understand motives of the features of configurable and extensible processor cores via a close exam of Tensilica's configurable, extensible Xtensa processor center and 6 pre-configured Diamond cores.
· the main complete evaluate on hand of the sensible features of configuring and utilizing a number of processor cores to accomplish very tough and bold SOC cost, functionality, and tool layout pursuits.
