A stack-based processor for resource efficient embedded systems

This work proposes the design of a 16-bit stack-based processor. It is aimed for a limited resource embedded system. The processor data path is simple. The instruction set is minimal. The proposed design has been realized on a FPGA device. The measurement on the required resource and performance based on the test suite aimed for the smart card applications indicates the suitability of the proposed design. The processor requires 6,497 equivalent gates. Its maximum frequency is 45 MHz. In terms of code size, it is comparable to commercial 8-bit processors.