CAST Releases Fast 8051-Compatible Processor Cores

These cores are software-compatible with the original 8051 but run at eight times the speed, making them some of the fastest available 8051 cores. The compact R8051C also requires less chip area than traditional designs, improving space-efficiency when embedded in ASICs and enabling the selection of smaller devices for FPGAs.

The new cores use a RISC-like reduced instruction set architecture. Operations take fewer clock cycles, enabling the eight-times performance increase at the same clock frequency. They can also be run at a higher clock speed than the original 8051, potentially yielding even faster product speeds.

The designs are strictly synchronous- enhancing reusability - with positive-edge clocking, a synchronous reset, and no internal tri-states. They are available in VHDL or Verilog for synthesis to ASICs or FPGAs, or as optimized layouts for Altera and Xilinx devices.

Implementation and performance results have been quite competitive. The R8051C, for example, has achieved a speed of 103 MHz using a .25 µm ASIC library. (See more sample implementation results at the end of this release.)The new cores have been developed following common reusability guidelines, and the R8051 received a four-star rating for the OpenMORE reusability assessment program (see www.openmore.com for details). Rating of the R8051C is underway.

The cores have been thoroughly tested, including verification against the original 8051 processor using a hardware modeler. They are delivered complete and ready to use, with technical documentation, test benches, test suite, synthesis scripts, and other design information. Custom modifications are available, as is the newly announced FS2 embedded core debugging option.
 

About CAST, Inc.

CAST provides practical, affordable IP products and services for designers of 8- and 16-bit microprocessor-based systems. Operating since 1994, the company has a reputation for quality products and responsive, comprehensive support. The company is located near New York City, and works with an international network of IP developers and distributors.