MCGREP - A Predictable Architecture for Embedded Real-time Systems

Real-time systems design involves many important choices, including that of the processor. The fastest processors achieve performance by utilizing architectural features that make them unpredictable, leading to difficulties proving offline that application process deadlines will be met, in the worst-case. Utilizing slower, more predictable processors, may not provide sufficient instruction throughput to execute all required application processes. This exposes a key trade-off in processor selection for real-time systems: predictability versus instruction throughput. This paper proposes MCGREP, a novel CPU architecture that combines predictability, high instruction throughput and flexibility. MCGREP is entirely microprogrammed, with multiple execution units. Basic operation involves implementation of a conventional set of CPU instructions in microcode~- MCGREP then executes object code suitably compiled. Advanced operation allows the application to dynamically load new microcode, enabling new application specific instructions to increase overall performance. MCGREP is implemented upon reconfigurable logic (FPGA)~- an increasingly important platform for the embedded RTS. Custom microcode configurations for new instructions are generated from C source. MCGREP is shown to have performance comparable to two popular FPGA softcore CPUs (OpenRISC and Microblaze, the latter a commercial product). Flexibility is demonstrated by implementing an existing instruction set (OpenRISC) in microcode, with application-specific instructions to improve overall performance. As a further demonstration, predictable two-level interrupt and synchronization mechanisms are programmed in microcode.