Project Overview
Project Work | Department of Avionics
AV312 Computer Architecture & Organization
August 2024 - December 2024
This project focuses on the conceptualization and development of an 8-bit processor specifically designed for plant signal processing. The processor integrates a robust architecture with a dedicated Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a structured control unit, and an optimized instruction set to facilitate real-time data processing. The project is part of the AV312 Computer Architecture & Organization curriculum and aims to advance computational efficiency in specialized applications.
Key Features and Design Elements
1. Processor Architecture
- Engineered with a dedicated 8-bit ALU supporting arithmetic, logical, and comparison operations.
- Integrated Zero and Carry flag mechanisms to enhance decision-making in processing tasks.
- Designed a structured control unit, program counter, and programmable data register banks to streamline execution flows.
2. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
- Supports efficient data manipulation using general-purpose registers (REG[M]) and special-purpose registers (A, B, C).
Includes arithmetic operations such as addition, multiplication, and logarithmic computation, tailored for plant signal processing tasks like:
- Computing mean and variance of low-amplitude signals.
- Determining Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for enhanced signal characterization.
3. Conditional Execution and Flow Control
- Implementation of conditional instructions (comparisons, conditional jumps, and branching).
- Implementation of Subroutine calls (call of 16 bit instruction in a 8 bit processor) for modular and recursive execution. Achieved by implementing special state that bypass normal states for subroutine.
- Processor halt instructions for power-efficient operation during idle states.
Application & Achievements
- Successfully demonstrated characterization of plant signals using the designed processor and modeled input data using FPGA.
- Achieved efficient real-time signal processing, highlighting the processor’s application-specific advantage.
- Currently exploring potential patent opportunities for the processor’s unique architecture and signal processing capabilities.
Future Prospects
- Expanding the processor’s capabilities for broader biomedical and industrial applications.
- Investigating enhancements in power efficiency, scalability, and multi-core integration.
This project is a testament to the innovative design and development of an 8-bit processor built from scratch.
Link for a bit detailed project report: Project Report (Click here)
Link for a bit detailed project documentation: Project Documentation (Click here)
