Processor integration in a disk controller

The need to produce an inexpensive and effective hard disk drive controller in a short time frame persuaded the Palmchip design team to try a new approach: combining the processor and the main disk drive controller into a single part. Successfully embedding the ARM7TDMI processor in our GreenLite ASIC proved to be a tremendous learning experience. We discovered ways to solve some of the problems we encountered and to ease the use of the 7TDMI core itself.