CO: the Chameleon 64-bit microprocessor ASIC prototype

In the context of designing a complex chip, it is important to have the capability of prototyping the design. Prototypes are the key to ensuring the architecture is implementable, allowing application development to start before silicon, validating the performance estimates (micro-architectural issues). This paper presents the prototyping strategy chosen by the Chameleon 64-bit microprocessor development programme of SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics. We will discuss the choice of making a silicon prototype, its aims (strongly related to the applications development allowance), its realisation, schedules and status.