What is a configurable, extensible processor?

Abstract

We're all familiar with fixed Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) processors, such as Intel or AMD x86-class processors, and in the embedded design area, ARM cores, for example. As well as these general purpose cores, there are also fixed ISA processors that are more specific to a particular problem domain, such as Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). But the product requirements of many embedded applications, especially for power-sensitive and low energy mobile media devices and cellphones, open up an opportunity to use Application-Specific Instruction set Processors (ASIPs) with highly application-oriented structural parameters and specialized instructions suitable for optimizing a particular application. Audio and video applications are good examples of product areas where the use of a customized ASIP for specific tasks may reduce energy consumption by a factor of 3 to 10 or more, thus allowing portable devices to operate for greatly increased periods between battery charges. Even the field of high performance computing may make use of ASIPs as the reduction in energy consumption and gain in performance for specific high-end tasks, such as climate modelling, may make the use of thousands or even millions of ASIPs very appropriate.