In summary, the process of learning and implementing a CPU core is manageable. This particular implementation took me approximately three days. The following points are crucial for a successful implementation:
Clock Division (for Hardware Implementation): When targeting hardware deployment (e.g., on an FPGA), clock division is essential to match the CPU's operational frequency to the target hardware's specifications, preventing timing violations.
Timing Logic Implementation (for Pipelined Architectures): For pipelined implementations, rigorous timing logic is paramount. This involves addressing data dependencies, implementing hazard detection and resolution (data hazards, control hazards, structural hazards) through techniques like forwarding (bypassing), stalling (pipeline bubbles), and branch prediction, and ensuring proper inter-stage synchronization using registers or latches.
Design Optimization and Conflict Resolution: This includes:
Resource Utilization Optimization: Efficient use of hardware resources (logic gates, flip-flops, memory elements).
Performance Optimization: Techniques to maximize clock frequency, minimize latency, and maximize throughput.
Hazard Resolution (in Pipelined CPUs): Implementing hardware mechanisms to resolve data and control hazards.
Logical Consistency and Conflict Resolution: Ensuring the absence of logical errors and race conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior.