Research project for high performance, low cost computing. Uses stack-based instructions for a 4-way VLIW processor. Implemented in current technology, it would outrun high-end DSPs (TMS 320C6x, TigerSHARC), and let the full program run on one processor, with no further RISC core.

Benefits: simple, easily pipelined, useful in self-clocked systems, very flexible and optimizable, good memory access, highly. Problems: awkward to program. [cowlark.com]

Class project to design and implement One Instruction Set Computer; using instruction: SUBLEQ A B C. Meaning: subtract value in M(A) from M(B) and store it in M(B), if result is not positive, go to instruction C. Descriptions, diagrams, code, tables.

Goal: dominate very low cost, low power, single core CPU market, and have the only ultra-high-end supercomputer on-a-chip system. Because the CPU core is so small, it is possible to put 1000s of cores and memory in one IC chip package.

References, links to Forth and stack machines in various technologies.

Implementation of the Java VM as soft processor core in an FPGA for embedded real-time systems. [Free for personal use or for educational purpose]

Automatic Synthesis of Application Specific Processors. Goal: design, build high-performance processors via a new class of transport-triggered architectures, TTAs, programmed by specifying data-transports not operations; well suited for application specific uses.

Minimal instruction set, small, low power 16-bit CPU optimized to run Forth on a Xilinx FPGA. When system is stable, VHDL source code for CPU and all other code will be released to make a full open source public domain CPU.

By Henk Corporaal; John Wiley, 1998, ISBN 047197157X. Introduces Transport Triggered Architectures, TTAs. In standard architectures, programmed operations trigger internal data transports. TTAs work by programming data transports themselves. This removes bottlenecks, allows for new code generation optimizations, uses hardware more efficiently.

Stack-based processors, 5-bit words, 25 instructions, 7000 transistors, 80 MIPS, 50 milliwatts, low cost; designed by Chuck Moore, creator of Forth programming language.

Uses of Forth microprocessors and programming language: controllers for spacecraft flight systems, on-board payload experiments, ground support; hardware or software to build or test flight or ground systems.

Designs, builds: single board computers (SBC), peripherals, embedded systems, PCB design/layout, high level programming (industry leaders in Forth), custom design work; large line of stock products: from full handheld computers to development packages. Since 1980.

Makes IGNITE I ROSC (Removed Operand Set Computer), PSC1000 32-bit embedded shBoom-based microprocessor line, many ISDN interface products, sophisticated antenna/radar technologies. Product and service data.

Simple one instruction language; type of OISC; specifications from Clive Gifford eigenratios self-interpreter page. Each subleq instruction has 3 operands which are memory addresses. Oleg Mazonka.

Course on minimal processors: Guided Exploration of two FPGA-based CPU Designs, led by John Rible.

Philip J. Koopman, Jr., CMU page. Reports, studies, and links. Compares: CISC, RISC, Stack systems; 2 and 3 stack systems.

By Philip J. Koopman, Jr; Ellis Horwood, 1989, ISBN 0470214678. Read on-line, or download in formats: HTML, PDF, zip file. First book to explore a new breed of stack computers led by introduction of Novix NC4016. [Free]

Embedded systems consultant for small (8/16-bit) and distributed microprocessor systems. Contract hardware and software development for most microcontrollers. Specialist: Forth, Assembly, C. By Bradford J. Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Explains extreme, simple RISC, with only one instruction, move memory to memory; yet it is useful. Revision of paper first published in ACM Computer Architecture News.

Small, powerful Forth embedded computers: let you quickly design applications: controls, portable instruments, terminals, data loggers, GPS, CAN bus, multitasking, LCD and keyboard systems. High level language makes development simple and fast; needs no PROM programmer. Forth hardware and software.

Online encyclopedia article about this single machine language opcode, with links to related articles.

Online encyclopedia article about this approach to computer architecture.