Step-by-Step Instructions for the Capstone 1. Processor Design (November 7 – November 14) 1.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Capstone

1. Processor Design (November 7 – November 14)

1.
Define the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA):

· Choose a small set of RISC-style instructions (e.g., LOAD, STORE, ADD, SUB, BRANCH).

· Define formats for each instruction, specifying opcodes, operands, and encoding.

1.
Design Pipeline Stages:

· Divide the processor into five pipeline stages: Fetch (IF), Decode (ID), Execute (EX), Memory (MEM), Write-back (WB).

· Outline the function of each stage and any data it passes to the next stage.

1.
Implement Pipeline Control Logic:

· Design control signals for managing each pipeline stage.

· Add hazard detection and resolution logic for
data hazards (using techniques like forwarding and stalls) and
control hazards (such as branch prediction).

1.
Document: Create initial documentation outlining the processor architecture, pipeline stages, and hazard handling approach for inclusion in the final report.

2. Memory Hierarchy and Cache Design (November 14 – November 21)

1.
Design Main Memory:

· Set up a simple main memory model (e.g., 1KB memory), with addresses for instructions and data.

1.
Implement a Direct-Mapped Cache:

· Design a cache with specifications like:

·
Cache Size: 64 words

·
Block Size: 4 words

·
Direct Mapping: Use (Memory Address) % Number of Cache Lines to map memory blocks to cache lines.

1.
Develop Cache Access Logic:

· Write logic to check if requested data is in the cache (hit) or not (miss).

· On a miss, load a block of data from main memory to cache, simulating the miss penalty.

1.
Test Cache Configuration:

· Write small test programs to evaluate cache behavior (e.g., repetitive memory access patterns).

· Record cache hit/miss rates under different conditions.

1.
Document: Summarize cache architecture, mapping approach, and preliminary performance findings for inclusion in the report.

3. I/O Subsystem and Simulation Setup (November 21 – November 28)

1.
Design the I/O Subsystem:

· Use memory-mapped addresses for input/output devices (e.g., 0xFC for input, 0xFD for output).

· Decide on a
polling or
interrupt-driven method to handle I/O (interrupts are optional for this project).

1.
Integrate I/O Logic with the Processor:

· Write code to handle input from or output to the I/O device, depending on the memory address accessed.

· If using polling, ensure the CPU continuously checks I/O device status at set intervals.

1.
Set Up the Simulation Environment:

· Choose a simulation tool like
Logisim or
Verilog. Create and test each component separately (e.g., pipeline stages, memory, cache, I/O) and integrate them progressively.

1.
Simulate with Sample Programs:

· Develop sample programs in assembly language to test each functionality: pipeline execution, memory access, and I/O operations.

· Verify that the pipelined processor, cache, and I/O handle instructions as expected.

1.
Document: Record details about the I/O subsystem, simulation setup, and initial test results.

4. Performance Analysis (November 28 – December 1)

1.
Measure CPI (Cycles Per Instruction):

· Run test programs with and without pipelining to calculate the CPI.

· Use formulas like: CPI=Base CPI+(Stall Penalty×%Stalls)+(Branch Penalty×%Branches)

1.
Analyze Cache Performance:

· Measure cache hit and miss rates by running memory-intensive programs.

· Calculate
Average Memory Access Time (AMAT): AMAT=(Hit Rate×Cache Access Time)+(Miss Rate×Miss Penalty)

1.
Evaluate I/O Performance:

· Record CPU utilization with polling (and interrupts if implemented) to analyze the I/O system’s impact on performance.

1.
Compile Data:

· Organize data into tables or graphs for easy comparison.

· Prepare an analysis of results for CPI, cache performance, and I/O efficiency.

1.
Document: Complete the performance section of the report, summarizing results and insights on the system’s efficiency.

4. Final Report and Presentation (December 1 – December 3)

1.
Finalize the Processor Design Report:

· Complete all sections: architecture, pipeline stages, cache design, I/O subsystem, and performance analysis.

· Ensure clarity and thorough explanations, including diagrams and graphs.

1.
Prepare Simulation Code for Submission:

· Confirm that all simulation files (Logisim or HDL files) and test programs are correctly organized and functional.

· Include instructions for running the simulations.

1.
Develop a Presentation:

· Create a concise, 10-15 minute presentation that highlights the design, simulation results, and performance analysis.

· Use diagrams for each pipeline stage, cache structure, and memory hierarchy.

· Include graphs and tables of CPI, cache hit rates, and I/O impact for visual impact.

1.
Rehearse the Presentation:

· Practice explaining the project flow, design choices, and key findings to ensure a clear, confident delivery.