Organization and VLSI implementation of MIPS

Abstract

MIPS is an 32-bit, high performance processor architecture implemented as an nMOS VLSI chip. The processor uses a low level, streamlined instruction set coupled with a fast pipeline to achieve an instruction rate of two million instructions per second. Close interaction between the processor design and compilers for the machine yields efficient execution of programs on the chip. Simplifying the instruction set and the requirements placed on the hardware by the architecture, facilitates both processor control and interrupt handling in the pipeline. High speed MOS circuit design techniques and a sophisticated timing methodology enable the processor to achieve a 250nS clock cycle.