A 4-way VLIW embedded processor and its companion chip

A 4-way VLIW microprocessor based on an improved VLIW architecture is developed for embedded application in a 0.18 /spl mu/m 5-layer-metal CMOS process. This processor equips a 2-way integer pipeline and a 2-way floating/media pipeline. Each floating pipeline and media pipeline has 2-parallel and 4-parallel SIMD mechanisms, respectively. The processor equips separate instruction and data caches; each of 16 KB size and 4-way set associative. 6.7 M transistors are integrated in an area of 7.5 mm/spl times/7.5 mm. We also developed companion chip which is used together with the processor. Companion chip is fabricated using a 0.25 /spl mu/m 4-layer-metal CMOS process.