The next project has the objective of the creation of a MIPS processor using XILINX and VHDL. The final objective for the processor is to perform a matrix multiplication 3x3.
Each part of the MIPS processor architecture works together to execute instructions. The instruction is fetched from the instruction memory and sent to the instruction decoder. The instruction decoder determines the operation to be performed and the registers involved, and sends control signals to the other parts of the processor. The register file and data memory are used to store and retrieve data during program execution. The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations on the data stored in the registers. Finally, the control unit generates control signals that coordinate the operation of the different parts of the processor.
● Instruction Memory (IM): The instruction memory contains the instructions to be executed by the processor. The program counter (PC) points to the next instruction to be executed, and the instruction memory returns the corresponding instruction to the instruction decoder.
● Instruction Decoder (ID): The instruction decoder decodes the instruction fetched from the instruction memory and generates control signals for the other parts of the processor. It identifies the type of instruction and determines the operands and operations to be performed.
● Register File (RF): The register file contains 32 registers, each 32 bits wide. The instruction decoder specifies which registers to read or write, and the register file provides the values stored in the specified registers.
● ALU: The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations on the input operands received from the register file or immediate values from the instruction decoder. It generates a result and status flags, such as overflow or carry, which are used by subsequent parts of the processor.
● Data Memory (DM): The data memory stores data values that are read or written by the processor. It receives addresses and data from the ALU or register file, and returns data values to be stored in the register file or written back to memory.
● Control Unit (CU): The control unit generates control signals based on the current instruction being executed and the status flags generated by the ALU. It controls the flow of data and instructions through the processor, as well as the operation of various other parts of the processor.
● PC Update: The PC update unit increments the program counter to point to the next instruction in memory. It may also modify the program counter based on branch or jump instructions.
