Circuit Design: Know It All

Chapter 31

Integrating Processors onto FPGAs

Peter Wilson

31.1 Introduction

This application example chapter concentrates on the key topic of integrating processors onto field-programmable gate array (FPGA) designs. This ranges from simple 8-bit microprocessors up to large IP processor cores that require an element of hardware-software co-design involved. This chapter will take the reader through the basics of implementing a behavioral-based microprocessor for evaluation of algorithms, through to the practicalities of structurally correct models that can be synthesized and implemented on an FPGA.

One of the major challenges facing hardware designers in the 21st century is the problem of hardware-software co-design. This has moved on from a basic ...