ET4171 Processor design project

This is an integration course that is aiming to let the students utilize computer architecture and arithmetic theoretical knowledge in the design of a general purpose processor. In this line of reasoning they have to improve the LEON 3 core performance by focusing on computer architecture and arithmetic relevant parts of it. As a start point for this project students have to utilize the LEON 3 archive available on the Processor Design Project ET4 171 Blackboard page. To evaluate the new core a benchmark suite and a VIRTEX-II Pro FPGA board are given. Study Goals

1. Design space exploration and select the most appropriate algorithms for the implementation of the basic functional units; 
2. Integrating computer arithmetic and computer architecture knowledge for processor design; 
3. Evaluating processor performance based on benchmarks, taking the appropriate architectural decisions in order to improve on various design metrics;
4. Implementation of arithmetic units and processors using FPGA technology;

Teachers

Last modified: 2014-06-12