SPECIAL FUNCTION UNIT FOR THE MICRO/370 MICROPROCESSOR.

Abstract

The Micro/370 is a single-chip 32-bit microprocessor implemented in a 2- mu m two-layer metal, one-layer polysilicon NMOS process. The special function unit (SFU) encapsulates much of the operation of the chip. The function and implementation of this part is discussed in detail. In particular the importance of doing the functional and circuit design interactively to achieve an optimal design is shown. The design constraints and the circuit design concerns are discussed, and a new single-ended sense amplifier is presented.