An FPGA implementation of multicore, multithreaded powerPC processors with memory subsystem using Bluespec

Abstract

This thesis describes the design, construction and integration of a multicore processor and a memory subsystem. The work is part of a joint project with IBM Watson research. The processors have multithreading capacities and implement the PowerPC ISA. The memory system consists of a parameterizable hierarchy of caches and random access memory units. All implementation was done in Bluespec System Verilog hardware synthesis language for placement on FPGA. Furthermore, this document analyzes the main tradeoffs and major challenges involved in building and integrating such a system.