OptiCore: A Novel Approach for Designing a Low Power Multi-Core Processor

Designing multi-core processors is one of the crucial topics in advancing technology. In the realm of multi-core processors, one of the fundamental challenges is determining the optimal number of cores for executing a program efficiently. To achieve this, various parameters, including power consumption and execution time, must be taken into consideration. In this paper, a multi-core processor has been designed, implemented on FPGA, and its experimental results have been evaluated. The execution time of the desired program on different core counts has been measured and reported. Additionally, a new circuit for measuring power consumption has been presented for connecting to the FPGA. Experimental results of power consumption under various conditions have been measured, leading to the introduction of an optimal design. Based on the obtained results and the Figure of Merit (FoM) introduced for selecting the optimal number of cores, which considers program requirements, conditions, and specified criteria of adequacy, the optimal design has been chosen. The optimal number of cores for processing a specific program has been calculated, and then only the specified number of cores will be active for processing that program, significantly reducing the system's power consumption.