Gideon Intrater

Application specific microprocessor (NS3200/EP family)

An alternative approach for embedded system processor architecture is presented. Methods to evaluate and define the modules within such a processor are discussed. Three examples of new embedded system processors from the National Semiconductors 32000/EP family are described. These are: the integrated system processor NS32CG160 developed for laser beam printer applications; the embedded system processor NS32GX320 for laser/FAX applications; and the imaging signal processor NS532FX16 designed for Group 3 FAX machines. Integration of system components and improved internal organization should deliver better solutions for the embedded application designer.<<ETX>>

NSC's digital answering machines solution

A digital signal processing capability that allows data compression and the use of cost effective memories, both fundamental to digital answering machines (DAMs), is reported. It is provided by a three-chip cluster, tuned to the DAM application and based on the NS32AM160. This cluster offers a solution to both the processing power and system integration requirements.<<ETX>>

Performance evaluation of a decoded instruction cache for variable instruction length computers

A Decoded INstruction Cache (DINC) is a buffer between the instruction decoder and other instruction pipeline stages. In this paper, we explain how techniques that reduce the branch penalty on a DINC, can improve CPU performance. We also analyze the impact of some of the design parameters of DINCs on variable instruction length computers. Our study indicates that tuning the mapping of the instructions into the cache can improve performance substantially. Tuning must be based on the instruction length distribution for a specific architecture. In addition, the associativity degree has a greater effect on the DINCs performance than on the performance of regular caches. We discuss the difference between the performance of DINCs and other caches, when longer cache lines are used. We present a model to estimate the miss rate based on its characteristics, that are discussed and analyzed throughout this paper. Our conclusions are based on both analytical study and trace driven simulations of several integer UNIX applications. >