A Processor Design Course Project: Creating Soft-Core MIPS Processor Using Step-by-Step Components’ Integration Approach
Ali Elkateeb · International Journal of Information and Education Technology · 2011
Design and implementation of a soft-core MIPS processor using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology will be addressed in this paper.Teaching processor architecture and design is considered the key element of the student learning in the undergraduate Computer Engineering program; as such, this project was developed to enrich students' experience in this field.This paper presents a practical introduction to soft-core processor design through the use of step-by-step integrating of the processor's components.Students implemented their processors using Xilinx ISE design tools and downloaded their designs to Xilinx ML 501 FPGA boards, which used Xilinx Virtex 5 chips.A designed and developed soft-core processor provided students with a starting point for applying their designed processors in follow-up courses such as Embedded Systems and Senior Design Project.Students' assessment of the soft-core processor design was analyzed, which indicated that they are confident in confronting the next step of constructing advanced processor architecture.