Compiler-Centred Microprocessor Design (CoMet) - From C-Code to a VHDL Model of an ASIP

This paper proposes a new approach on designing application specific instruction set processors (ASIP). The design process is driven by a step by step refinement of intermediate codes, known from compiler backends. In every step the intermediate code can be simulated, and profiled. Based on profiling information it can be further transformed to an optimized or refined intermediate code. The whole transformation process is implemented in a GUI-based design tool, named CoMet, whose main component is a configurable simulator for intermediate codes. It will be shown how the configurable intermediate code simulator is used, and how the intermediate code transformation and the generation of a VHDL of the ASIP model will work in the CoMet tool.