3) The MIPS Processor

Over the years there have been several different types of processors that have been created, with one of the first main processors being the MIPS. This processor has large amount of documentation on it and is usually thought of as a teaching processor, or a processor that is used to show students how to make one. This processor was a step up from the previous 6 instruction set processor, which obviously can perform only 6 instructions, to a processor that was able to handle assembly code.

Traditionally the MIPS processor is a 32 bit processor that was used in embedded chip design. The MIPS uses three main instruction types that can be relativity easily deciphered. It can use registers to store information generated and to get information from them. There are several registers that are used in MIPS style processing which is why verilog coding would make a wise decision for coding one. The architecture behind this processor was to create a small core, to be able to increase process speed. This is event in the small instruction codes that are used, only 32 bits usually (16 in the case we worked on). The small core also allows for trouble shooting to be more strait forward.

The main idea behind the small core processor is that the simplicity and smaller size would allow for fewer errors in computations. Which in some cases is true, however there is a trade off between ability of machine and size. This is again event in another idea behind the smaller processor, good design requires good compromise. This means that the most simple solution may not be the best, some complexity may need to exist to make it a usable product.