Adding complex instruction extensions defined in a standardized language to a microprocessor design to produce a configurable definition of a target instruction set, and hdl description of circuitry necessary to implement the instruction set, and development and verification tools for the instruction set

Abstract

An automated processor design tool uses a description of customized processor instruction set extensions in a standardized language to develop a configurable definition of a target instruction set, a Hardware Description Language description of circuitry necessary to implement the instruction set, and development tools such as a compiler, assembler, debugger and simulator which can be used to develop applications for the processor and to verify it. The standardized language is capable of handling instruction set extensions which modify processor state or use configurable processors. By providing a constrained domain of extensions and optimizations, the process can be automated to a high degree, thereby facilitating fast and reliable development.