What is the difference between a softcore and a hardcore processor?

[luckypearl25]

what is the difference between a softcore and a hardcore processor..how is power Pc and microblaze different

 

[echo47]

xilinx's processors

The Xilinx Virtex-4 FX FPGA has a PowerPC processor permanently embedded in the silicon. You can also temporarily configure a processor (such as MicroBlaze) in the FPGA's reconfigurable logic fabric. I suppose you could call those "hardcore" and "softcore" processors.

 

[moneychaser]

xilinx's processors

So, using the PowerPC will cost you 0 LUTs/slices, whereas using a MicroBlaze will cost you 1000 LUTs.

The PowerPC is much faster (350MHz vs 150MHz) and a lot more powerful.

 

[yego]

Re: xilinx's processors

Basically you are right, but consider that the Power-PC costs you extra money in a price of the FPGA chip, while the MB can be implemented in almost any FPGA at no extra cost. You can even put multiple MBs in a single FPGA if you like.
There are always some trade-offs.

regards, yego

 

[echo47]

xilinx's processors

If you don't want a PowerPC on your Virtex-4, then buy the LX or SX version.
http://www.xilinx.com/products/tables/selector/index.htm

 

[tramp]

Re: xilinx's processors

Hi,
What is powepc & microblaze.

tramp

 

[echo47]

xilinx's processors

PowerPC:
http://www.xilinx.com/products/silicon_solutions/fpgas/virtex/virtex4/capabilities/powerpc.htm
http://www.ibm.com/chips/power/powerpc/
http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/homepage.jsp?nodeId=0162468rH3bTdG

MicroBlaze:
http://www.xilinx.com/xlnx/xebiz/designResources/ip_product_details.jsp?key=micro_blaze