Design methodology for a 1.0 GHz microprocessor

Abstract

This paper describes the design methodology used to build an experimental 1.0 GigaHertz PowerPC integer microprocessor at IBM's Austin Research Laboratory. The high frequency requirements dictated the chip composition to be almost entirely custom macros using dynamic circuit techniques. The methodology presented will cover design and verification tools as well as circuit constraints and microarchitecture philosophy. The microarchitecture, circuits and tools were defined by the high frequency requirements of the processor as well as the aggressive design schedule and size of the design team.