High-performance microprocessor design

Author

Gronowski, Paul E. ; Bowhill, William J. ; Preston, Ronald P. ; Gowan, Michael K. ; Allmon, Randy L.

Author_Institution

Digital Equipment Corp., Hudson, MA, USA

Volume

33

Issue

5

fYear

1998

fDate

5/1/1998 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

676

Lastpage

686

Abstract

Three generations of Alpha microprocessors have been designed using a proven custom design methodology. The performance of these microprocessors was optimized by focusing on high-frequency design. The Alpha instruction set architecture facilitates high clock speed, and the chip organization for each generation was carefully chosen to meet critical paths. Digital has developed six generations of CMOS technology optimized for high-frequency design. Complex circuit styles were used extensively to meet aggressive cycle time goals. CAD tools were developed internally to support these designs. This paper discusses some of the technologies that have enabled Alpha microprocessors to achieve high performance

Keywords

CMOS digital integrated circuits; circuit CAD; integrated circuit design; microprocessor chips; Alpha microprocessor; CMOS technology; Digital; circuit CAD; high-frequency design; instruction set architecture; CMOS process; CMOS technology; Circuit synthesis; Clocks; Delay; Design automation; Design optimization; Frequency; Integrated circuit technology; Microprocessors;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Solid-State Circuits, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9200

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/4.668981

Filename

668981