X32V: A Design of Configurable Processor Core for Embedded Systems

This paper introduces the X32V configurable processor core. X32V is geared towards low-power, lowmemory embedded systems, such as cell phones, PDAs, and digital cameras. X32V uses a feature that allows for variable length instructions that ultimately decrease the amount of program memory required for applications. In addition, X32V supports additional modules that increase flexibility. Currently, a multimedia extension module and a floating-point module have been developed and integrated into the X32V schema. An X32V prototype was developed as an execution based, cycle-accurate simulator. Preliminary testing of X32V has been performed using benchmarks based on portions of MPEG-4 decoding.