What Is Processor Core Complexity?
The more complex a processor core, the larger the area and power consumption. But increasing complexity is not a single dimension as processors can be more complex in different ways. In selecting a processor IP core, it is important to choose the right sort of complexity for your project.
Some ways of thinking about complexity include:
- Word length
- Execution units
- Privilege/protection
- Virtual memory
- Security features
Generally, the smaller the word length, the smaller the core and the lower the power, however this is not always the case. An 8-bit core, such as the 8051, is comparable in gatecount to the smallest 32-bit cores, but power consumption is usually worse. An 8-bit core requires more memory accesses due to less computation per clock cycle requiring more cycles. The net impact is that it requires more power to complete a computation.
To read the full article, click here
Related Blogs
- What is the difference between processor configuration and customization?
- ARM Cortex-A15 - does this processor IP core need a new category ... Superstar IP?
- Samsung 20nm test chip includes ARM Cortex-M0 processor core. How many will fit on the head of a pin?
- Processor Wars: NVIDIA reveals a phantom fifth ARM Cortex-A9 processor core in Kal-El mobile processor IC. Guess why it's there?
Latest Blogs
- A Repeatable Framework for Hardware Security Assurance
- Inside the SiFive Performance™ P570 Gen 3: High Performance Efficiency for Next-Generation Consumer and Commercial Applications
- What the steam engine can teach us about modern chip design
- Automotive silicon in the era of AI, functional safety, and cybersecurity
- JPEG XS Officially Joins GenICam, The Machine Vision Standard Managed By EMVA