The Design of a Microprocessor - Hardcover

Spruth, Wilhelm G.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3540513957 ISBN 13: 9783540513957

Publisher: Springer, 1989

Synopsis

This text has been produced for the benefit of students in computer and infor­ mation science and for experts involved in the design of microprocessors. It deals with the design of complex VLSI chips, specifically of microprocessor chip sets. The aim is on the one hand to provide an overview of the state of the art, and on the other hand to describe specific design know-how. The depth of detail presented goes considerably beyond the level of information usually found in computer science text books. The rapidly developing discipline of designing complex VLSI chips, especially microprocessors, requires a significant extension of the state of the art. We are observing the genesis of a new engineering discipline, the design and realization of very complex logical structures, and we are obviously only at the beginning. This discipline is still young and immature, alternate concepts are still evolving, and "the best way to do it" is still being explored. Therefore it is not yet possible to describe the different methods in use and to evaluate them. However, the economic impact is significant today, and the heavy investment that companies in the USA, the Far East, and in Europe, are making in gener­ ating VLSI design competence is a testimony to the importance this field is expected to have in the future. Staying competitive requires mastering and extending this competence.

About this title

Synopsis

The Design of a Microprocessor describes the design and realization of very complex logical structures within the framework of developing a 32 bit microprocessor chip set. The required engineering disciplines, especially logic design, circuit design, technology design, logic synthesis, tools design, and system design, as well as their interactions are covered in the text. Important features and new results treated include a RISC like implementation of a CISC processor; parallel accesses to the Translation-Lookaside Buffer, the cache and the cache directory; and implementation of error recovery for dynamic random access main memories. Included also is a combined approach of logic synthesis (silicon compilation) and design simulation, and a coverage of hierarchical physical design, neither of which have been discussed elsewhere at a comparable level of detail.

Further topics include an effective approach to implement VLSI logic with a reduced and easily changeable book set; a new I/O driver design which helps to reduce machine cycle time; Level Sensitive Scan Design, which is being used in a growing number of designs; and a discussion of semiconductor failure mechanisms supported by several convincing photos.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3540513957
• ISBN 13: 9783540513957
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 366