NS32532: case study in general-purpose microprocessor design tradeoffs

The NS32532, a third-generation 32-bit microprocessor, is used to examine the effect of the constraints of VLSI semiconductor and packaging technologies, as well as those stemming from the wide variety of systems to which the processor will be applied, on design. Its microarchitecture, fabrication technology, system interface, and design methodology are discussed. The design tradeoffs are considered in the context of system environments that include embedded controllers, personal computers, and multiuser multiprocessors. The problem of partitioning functions to be integrated on chip from those that remain external to the microprocessor is addressed.<
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