A Joined Architecture/Compiler Design Environment for ASIPs

In this paper, we introduce a methodology for rapid prototyping of application-specific instruction set processors (ASIPs) including the automatic generation of bit-true and cycle-accurate instruction-set simulators and corresponding compiler (re)targets. The methodology is based on ASMs (abstract state machines) as the underlying formal model for describing a processor's behavior. We explain the major advantages of using ASMs and outline the main tool flow from graphical entry of a processor's major RTL building blocks and simulator generation as well as the current status of our project