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

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

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.
 

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.
 

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
 

xilinx's processors

If you don't want a PowerPC on your Virtex-4, then buy the LX or SX version.
**broken link removed**
 

Re: xilinx's processors

Hi,
What is powepc & microblaze.

tramp
 

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