How to design a microcontroller using VHDL? 1

[nyep]

hi,

i just started my project, which is to design a microcontroller using VHDL. Can anyone tell me, what are basic steps to design a microcontroller? I only have basic knowlegde in Microcontroller. My Professor have also spoken about a microcontroller soft-core? Can anyone explain to me what exactly is a soft-core?
Any response are highly appreciated.Thanx.

 

[BertVhdl]

Hi Nyep,

A soft-core processor is a microprocessor which can be implemented into the existing technology in the FPGA. This means that it uses the same components as the ones you use while developing VHDL, because the core itself is written in VHDL.

You can find a lot of information at the websites of the two largest manufacturers.

Xilinx Microblaze

http://www.xilinx.com/xlnx/xebiz/designResources/ip_product_details.jsp?key=micro_blaze

Altera Nios

http://www.altera.com/products/ip/processors/nios2/ni2-index.html

Hope you will find what you need!
Bert

 

[nyep]

hi again...

i have already found in the internet vhdl codes of an intel 8085 microprocessor. Right now I am having dificulties in testing the functionality of the designed microprocessor. Does anyone know how to test it?
Thanx.

 

[BertVhdl]

Didn't the VHDL code for the processor came with a testbench?

 

[nyep]

No, there are no testbench with the vhdl code. I got the vhdl codes from this site:

http://www.aviral.co.uk/8085.html

I have tried to contact the author but till now i haven't got any reply from him.

 

[nyep]

hi again..

my professor told me that I need to know and understand the dataflow in intel 8085 micoprocessor before further testing it.
can anybody help explain to me the dataflow of this particular microprocessor. a recommendation for a book would also be great!
thanx in advance.