Subversion Repositories neorv32

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== NEORV32 Processor (SoC)

The NEORV32 Processor is based on the NEORV32 CPU. Together with common peripheral
interfaces and embedded memories it provides a RISC-V-based full-scale microcontroller-like SoC platform.

image::neorv32_processor.png[align=center]

**Key Features**

* _optional_ processor-internal data and instruction memories (<<_data_memory_dmem,**DMEM**>>/<<_instruction_memory_imem,**IMEM**>>) + cache (<<_processor_internal_instruction_cache_icache,**iCACHE**>>)
* _optional_ internal bootloader (<<_bootloader_rom_bootrom,**BOOTROM**>>) with UART console & SPI flash boot option
* _optional_ machine system timer (<<_machine_system_timer_mtime,**MTIME**>>), RISC-V-compatible
* _optional_ two independent universal asynchronous receivers and transmitters (<<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0,**UART0**>>, <<_secondary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart1,**UART1**>>) with optional hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) and optional RX/TX FIFOs
* _optional_ 8/16/24/32-bit serial peripheral interface controller (<<_serial_peripheral_interface_controller_spi,**SPI**>>) with 8 dedicated CS lines
* _optional_ two wire serial interface controller (<<_two_wire_serial_interface_controller_twi,**TWI**>>), compatible to the I²C standard
* _optional_ general purpose parallel IO port (<<_general_purpose_input_and_output_port_gpio,**GPIO**>>), 64xOut, 64xIn
* _optional_ 32-bit external bus interface, Wishbone b4 / AXI4-Lite compatible (<<_processor_external_memory_interface_wishbone_axi4_lite,**WISHBONE**>>)
* _optional_ 32-bit stream link interface with up to 8 independent links, AXI4-Stream compatible (<<_stream_link_interface_slink,**SLINK**>>)
* _optional_ watchdog timer (<<_watchdog_timer_wdt,**WDT**>>)
* _optional_ PWM controller with up to 60 channels & 8-bit duty cycle resolution (<<_pulse_width_modulation_controller_pwm,**PWM**>>)
* _optional_ ring-oscillator-based true random number generator (<<_true_random_number_generator_trng,**TRNG**>>)
* _optional_ custom functions subsystem for custom co-processor extensions (<<_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs,**CFS**>>)
* _optional_ NeoPixel(TM)/WS2812-compatible smart LED interface (<<_smart_led_interface_neoled,**NEOLED**>>)
* _optional_ external interrupt controller with up to 32 channels (<<_external_interrupt_controller_xirq,**XIRQ**>>)
* _optional_ general purpose 32-bit timer (<<_general_purpose_timer_gptmr,**GPTMR**>>)
* _optional_ on-chip debugger with JTAG TAP (<<_on_chip_debugger_ocd,**OCD**>>)
* bus keeper to monitor processor-internal bus transactions (<<_internal_bus_monitor_buskeeper,**BUSKEEPER**>>)
* system configuration information memory to check HW configuration via software (<<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo,**SYSINFO**>>)


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=== Processor Top Entity - Signals

The following table shows signals of the processor top entity (`rtl/core/neorv32_top.vhd`).
The type of all signals is `std_ulogic` or `std_ulogic_vector`, respectively.

[IMPORTAN]
All _input signals_ provide default values in case they are not explicitly assigned during instantiation.
For control signals the value `L` (weak pull-down) is used. For serial and parallel data signals
the value `U` (unknown) is used. Pulled-down signals will not cause "accidental" system crashes
since all control signals have defined level.

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|=======================
| Signal | Width | Dir. | Function
4+^| **Global Control**
| `clk_i` | 1 | in | global clock line, all registers triggering on rising edge
| `rstn_i` | 1 | in | global reset, asynchronous, **low-active**
4+^| **JTAG Access Port for <<_on_chip_debugger_ocd>>**
| `jtag_trst_i` | 1 | in  | TAP reset, low-active (optionalfootnote:[Pull high if not used.])
| `jtag_tck_i`  | 1 | in  | serial clock
| `jtag_tdi_i`  | 1 | in  | serial data input
| `jtag_tdo_o`  | 1 | out | serial data outputfootnote:[If the on-chip debugger is not implemented (_ON_CHIP_DEBUGGER_EN_ = false) `jtag_tdi_i` is directly forwarded to `jtag_tdo_o` to maintain the JTAG chain.]
| `jtag_tms_i`  | 1 | in  | mode select
4+^| **External Bus Interface (<<_processor_external_memory_interface_wishbone_axi4_lite,WISHBONE>>)**
| `wb_tag_o` | 3  | out | tag (access type identifier)
| `wb_adr_o` | 32 | out | destination address
| `wb_dat_i` | 32 | in | write data
| `wb_dat_o` | 32 | out | read data
| `wb_we_o`  | 1  | out | write enable ('0' = read transfer)
| `wb_sel_o` | 4  | out | byte enable
| `wb_stb_o` | 1  | out | strobe
| `wb_cyc_o` | 1  | out | valid cycle
| `wb_lock_o`| 1  | out | exclusive access request
| `wb_ack_i` | 1  | in | transfer acknowledge
| `wb_err_i` | 1  | in | transfer error
4+^| **Advanced Memory Control Signals**
| `fence_o`  | 1 | out | indicates an executed _fence_ instruction
| `fencei_o` | 1 | out | indicates an executed _fencei_ instruction
4+^| **Stream Link Interface (<<_stream_link_interface_slink,SLINK>>)**
| `slink_tx_dat_o` | 8x32 | out | TX link _n_ data
| `slink_tx_val_o` |    8 | out | TX link _n_ data valid
| `slink_tx_rdy_i` |    8 | in  | TX link _n_ allowed to send
| `slink_rx_dat_i` | 8x32 | in  | RX link _n_ data
| `slink_rx_val_i` |    8 | in  | RX link _n_ data valid
| `slink_rx_rdy_o` |    8 | out | RX link _n_ ready to receive
4+^| **General Purpose Inputs & Outputs (<<_general_purpose_input_and_output_port_gpio,GPIO>>)**
| `gpio_o` | 64 | out | general purpose parallel output
| `gpio_i` | 64 | in | general purpose parallel input
4+^| **Primary Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (<<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0,UART0>>)**
| `uart0_txd_o` | 1 | out | UART0 serial transmitter
| `uart0_rxd_i` | 1 | in | UART0 serial receiver
| `uart0_rts_o` | 1 | out | UART0 RX ready to receive new char
| `uart0_cts_i` | 1 | in | UART0 TX allowed to start sending
4+^| **Primary Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (<<_secondary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart1,UART1>>)**
| `uart1_txd_o` | 1 | out | UART1 serial transmitter
| `uart1_rxd_i` | 1 | in | UART1 serial receiver
| `uart1_rts_o` | 1 | out | UART1 RX ready to receive new char
| `uart1_cts_i` | 1 | in | UART1 TX allowed to start sending
4+^| **Serial Peripheral Interface Controller (<<_serial_peripheral_interface_controller_spi,SPI>>)**
| `spi_sck_o` | 1 | out | SPI controller clock line
| `spi_sdo_o` | 1 | out | SPI serial data output
| `spi_sdi_i` | 1 | in | SPI serial data input
| `spi_csn_o` | 8 | out | SPI dedicated chip select (low-active)
4+^| **Two-Wire Interface Controller (<<_two_wire_serial_interface_controller_twi,TWI>>)**
| `twi_sda_io` | 1 | inout | TWI serial data line
| `twi_scl_io` | 1 | inout | TWI serial clock line
4+^| **Pulse-Width Modulation Channels (<<_pulse_width_modulation_controller_pwm,PWM>>)**
| `pwm_o` | 0..60 | out | pulse-width modulated channels
4+^| **Custom Functions Subsystem (<<_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs,CFS>>)**
| `cfs_in_i`  | 32 | in | custom CFS input signal conduit
| `cfs_out_o` | 32 | out | custom CFS output signal conduit
4+^| **Smart LED Interface - NeoPixel(TM) compatible (<<_smart_led_interface_neoled,NEOLED>>)**
| `neoled_o` | 1 | out | asynchronous serial data output
4+^| **System time (<<_machine_system_timer_mtime,MTIME>>)**
| `mtime_i` | 64 | in  | machine timer time (to `time[h]` CSRs) from _external MTIME_ unit if the processor-internal _MTIME_ unit is NOT implemented
| `mtime_o` | 64 | out | machine timer time from _internal MTIME_ unit if processor-internal _MTIME_ unit IS implemented
4+^| **External Interrupts (<<_processor_interrupts, XIRQ>>)**
| `xirq_i` | 32 | in | external interrupt requests (up to 32 channels)
4+^| **RISC-V Machine-Level <<_processor_interrupts, CPU Interrupts>>**
| `mtime_irq_i` | 1 | in | machine timer interrupt13 (RISC-V), high-active
| `msw_irq_i`   | 1 | in | machine software interrupt (RISC-V), high-active
| `mext_irq_i`  | 1 | in | machine external interrupt (RISC-V), high-active
|=======================


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=== Processor Top Entity - Generics

This is a list of all configuration generics of the NEORV32 processor top entity rtl/neorv32_top.vhd.
The generic name is shown in orange, followed by the type in printed in black and concluded by the default
value printed in light gray.

[TIP]
The NEORV32 generics allow to configure the system according to your needs. The generics are
used to control implementation of certain CPU extensions and peripheral modules and even allow to
optimize the system for certain design goals like minimal area or maximum performance. +
**More information can be found in the user guides' section
https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_application_specific_processor_configuration[Application-Specific Processor Configuration]**.

[TIP]
Privileged software can determine the actual CPU and processor configuration via the `misa` and the 
<<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo, SYSINFO>> registers.

[NOTE]
If optional modules (like CPU extensions or peripheral devices) are *not enabled* the according circuitry
**will not be synthesized at all**. Hence, the disabled modules do not increase area and power requirements
and do not impact the timing.

[NOTE]
Not all configuration combinations are valid. The processor RTL code provides sanity checks to inform the user
during synthesis/simulation if an invalid combination has been detected.

**Generic Description**

The description of each generic provides the following summary:

.Generic description
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|======
| _Generic name_ | _type_ | _default value_
3+| _Description_
|======

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==== General

See section <<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo>> for more information.

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===== _CLOCK_FREQUENCY_

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| **CLOCK_FREQUENCY** | _natural_ | _none_
3+| The clock frequency of the processor's `clk_i` input port in Hertz (Hz). This value can be retrieved by software
from the <<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo, SYSINFO>> module.
|======


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===== _INT_BOOTLOADER_EN_

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| **INT_BOOTLOADER_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement the processor-internal boot ROM, pre-initialized with the default bootloader image when _true_.
This will also change the processor's boot address from the beginning of the instruction memory address space (default =
0x00000000) to the base address of the boot ROM. See section <<_boot_configuration>> for more information.
|======


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===== _HW_THREAD_ID_

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| **HW_THREAD_ID** | _natural_ | 0
3+| The hart ID of the CPU. Software can retrieve this value from the `mhartid` CSR.
Note that hart IDs must be unique within a system.
|======


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===== _ON_CHIP_DEBUGGER_EN_

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| **ON_CHIP_DEBUGGER_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement the on-chip debugger (OCD) and the CPU debug mode.
See chapter <<_on_chip_debugger_ocd>> for more information.
|======


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==== RISC-V CPU Extensions

[TIP]
See section <<_instruction_sets_and_extensions>> for more information. The configuration of the RISC-V _main_ ISA extensions
(like `M`) can be determined via the <<_misa>> CSR. The configuration of ISA _sub-extensions_ (like `Zicsr`) and _extension options_
can be determined via memory-mapped registers of the <<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo>> module.


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_A_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_A** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement atomic memory access operations when _true_.
See section <<_a_atomic_memory_access>>.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_B_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_B** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement the `B` bit-manipulation sub-extension when _true_.
See section <<_b_bit_manipulation_operations>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_C_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_C** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement compressed instructions (16-bit) when _true_. Compressed instructions can reduce program code
size by approx. 30%. See section <<_c_compressed_instructions>>.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_E_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_E** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement the embedded CPU extension (only implement the first 16 data registers) when _true_. This reduces embedded memory
requirements for the register file. See section <<_e_embedded_cpu>> for more information. Note that this RISC-V extensions
requires a different application binary interface (ABI).
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_M_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_M** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement hardware accelerators for integer multiplication and division instructions when _true_.
If this extensions is not enabled, multiplication and division operations (_not_ instructions) will be computed entirely in software.
If only a hardware multiplier is required use the <<_cpu_extension_riscv_zmmul>> extension. Multiplication can also be mapped
to DSP slices via the <<_fast_mul_en>> generic.
See section <<_m_integer_multiplication_and_division>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_U_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_U** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement less-privileged user mode when _true_.
See section <<_u_less_privileged_user_mode>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zfinx_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zfinx** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement the 32-bit single-precision floating-point extension (using integer registers) when _true_.
See section <<_zfinx_single_precision_floating_point_operations>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zicsr_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zicsr** | _boolean_ | true
3+| Implement the control and status register (CSR) access instructions when true. Note: When this option is
disabled, the complete privileged architecture / trap system will be excluded from synthesis. Hence, no interrupts, no exceptions and
no machine information will be available.
See section <<_zicsr_control_and_status_register_access_privileged_architecture>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zicntr_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zicntr** | _boolean_ | true
3+| Implement the basic CPU counter CSRs (`time[h]`, `[m]cycle[h]`, `[m]instret[h]`) when true.
Enabling this extension will set the  _SYSINFO_CPU_ZICNTR_ flag in the `CPU` <<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo, SYSINFO>> register.
See section <<_zicntr_cpu_base_counters>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zihpm_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zihpm** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement hardware performance monitor CSRs when true.
Enabling this extension will set the  _SYSINFO_CPU_ZIHPM_ flag in the `CPU` <<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo, SYSINFO>> register.
See section <<_zihpm_hardware_performance_monitors>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zifencei_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zifencei** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement the instruction fetch synchronization instruction `fence.i`. For example, this option is required
for self-modifying code (and/or for instruction cache and CPU prefetch buffer flushes).
See section <<_zifencei_instruction_stream_synchronization>> for more information.
|======


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===== _CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zmmul_

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| **CPU_EXTENSION_RISCV_Zmmul** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement integer multiplication-only instructions when _true_. This is a sub-extension of the `M` extension, which
cannot be used together with the `M` extension. See section <<_zmmul_integer_multiplication>> for more information.
|======


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==== Extension Options

See section <<_instruction_sets_and_extensions>> for more information.


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===== _FAST_MUL_EN_

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| **FAST_MUL_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| When this generic is enabled, the multiplier of the `M` extension is implemented using DSPs blocks instead of an
iterative bit-serial approach. Performance will be increased and LUT utilization will be reduced at the cost of DSP slice
utilization. This generic is only relevant when a hardware multiplier CPU extension is
enabled (<<_cpu_extension_riscv_m>> or <<_cpu_extension_riscv_zmmul>> is _true_). **Note that the multipliers of the
<<_zfinx_single_precision_floating_point_operations>> extension are always mapped to DSP block (if available).**
|======


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===== _FAST_SHIFT_EN_

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| **FAST_SHIFT_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| If this generic is set _true_ the shifter unit of the CPU's ALU is implemented as fast barrel shifter (requiring
more hardware resources but completing within two clock cycles). If it is set _false_, the CPU uses a serial shifter
that only performs a single bit shift per cycle (requiring less hardware resources, but requires up to 32 clock
cycles to complete - depending on shift amount). **Note that this option also implements barrel shifters for _all_
shift-related operations of the <<_b_bit_manipulation_operations>> extension.**
|======


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===== _CPU_CNT_WIDTH_

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| **CPU_CNT_WIDTH** | _natural_ | 64
3+| This generic configures the total size of the CPU's `[m]cycle` and `[m]instret` CSRs (low word + high word).
The maximum value is 64, the minimum value is 0. See section <<_machine_counters_and_timers>> for more information.
This generic is only relevant if the `Zicntr` ISa extension is enabled (<<_cpu_extension_riscv_zicntr>>).
Note: configurations with <<_cpu_cnt_width>> less than 64 bits do not comply to the RISC-V specs.
|======


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===== _CPU_IPB_ENTRIES_

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| **CPU_IPB_ENTRIES** | _natural_ | 2
3+| This generic configures the number of entries in the CPU's instruction prefetch buffer (a FIFO).
The value has to be a power of two and has to be greater than zero.
Long linear sequences of code can benefit from an increased IPB size.
|======


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==== Physical Memory Protection (PMP)

See section <<_pmp_physical_memory_protection>> for more information.


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===== _PMP_NUM_REGIONS_

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| **PMP_NUM_REGIONS** | _natural_ | 0
3+| Total number of implemented protections regions (0..64). If this generics is zero no physical memory
protection logic will be implemented at all. Setting <<_pmp_num_regions>>_ > 0 will set the _SYSINFO_CPU_PMP_ flag
in the `CPU` <<_system_configuration_information_memory_sysinfo, SYSINFO>> register.
|======


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===== _PMP_MIN_GRANULARITY_

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| **PMP_MIN_GRANULARITY** | _natural_ | 64*1024
3+| Minimal region granularity in bytes. Has to be a power of two. Has to be at least 8 bytes.
|======


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==== Hardware Performance Monitors (HPM)

These generics allow to customize the `Zihpm` ISA extension. Note that the following generics are ignored if the
<<_cpu_extension_riscv_zihpm>> generic is _false_. See section <<_zihpm_hardware_performance_monitors>> for more information.


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===== _HPM_NUM_CNTS_

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| **HPM_NUM_CNTS** | _natural_ | 0
3+| Total number of implemented hardware performance monitor counters (0..29). If this generics is zero, no
hardware performance monitor logic will be implemented at all.
|======


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===== _HPM_CNT_WIDTH_

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| **HPM_CNT_WIDTH** | _natural_ | 40
3+| This generic defines the total LSB-aligned size of each HPM counter (`size([m]hpmcounter*h)` +
`size([m]hpmcounter*)`). The maximum value is 64, the minimal is 0. If the size is less than 64-bit, the
unused MSB-aligned counter bits are hardwired to zero.
|======


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==== Internal Instruction Memory

See sections <<_address_space>> and <<_instruction_memory_imem>> for more information.


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===== _MEM_INT_IMEM_EN_

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| **MEM_INT_IMEM_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement processor internal instruction memory (IMEM) when _true_.
|======


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===== _MEM_INT_IMEM_SIZE_

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| **MEM_INT_IMEM_SIZE** | _natural_ | 16*1024
3+| Size in bytes of the processor internal instruction memory (IMEM). Has no effect when <<_mem_int_imem_en>> is _false_.
|======


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==== Internal Data Memory

See sections <<_address_space>> and <<_data_memory_dmem>> for more information.


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===== _MEM_INT_DMEM_EN_

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| **MEM_INT_DMEM_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement processor internal data memory (DMEM) when _true_.
|======


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===== _MEM_INT_DMEM_SIZE_

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| **MEM_INT_DMEM_SIZE** | _natural_ | 8*1024
3+| Size in bytes of the processor-internal data memory (DMEM). Has no effect when <<_mem_int_dmem_en>> is _false_.
|======


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==== Internal Cache Memory

See section <<_processor_internal_instruction_cache_icache>> for more information.


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===== _ICACHE_EN_

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| **ICACHE_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement processor internal instruction cache when _true_. Note: if the setup only uses processor-internal data
and instruction memories there is not point of implementing the i-cache.
|======


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===== _ICACHE_NUM_BLOCK_

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| **ICACHE_NUM_BLOCKS** | _natural_ | 4
3+| Number of blocks (cache "pages" or "lines") in the instruction cache. Has to be a power of two. Has no
effect when <<_icache_dmem_en>> is false.
|======


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===== _ICACHE_BLOCK_SIZE_

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| **ICACHE_BLOCK_SIZE** | _natural_ | 64
3+| Size in bytes of each block in the instruction cache. Has to be a power of two. Has no effect when
<<_icache_dmem_en>> is _false_.
|======


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===== _ICACHE_ASSOCIATIVITY_

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| **ICACHE_ASSOCIATIVITY** | _natural_ | 1
3+| Associativity (= number of sets) of the instruction cache. Has to be a power of two. Allowed configurations:
`1` = 1 set, direct mapped; `2` = 2-way set-associative. Has no effect when <<_icache_dmem_en>> is _false_.
|======


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==== External Memory Interface

See sections <<_address_space>> and <<_processor_external_memory_interface_wishbone_axi4_lite>> for more information.


:sectnums!:
===== _MEM_EXT_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **MEM_EXT_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement external bus interface (WISHBONE) when _true_.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _MEM_EXT_TIMEOUT_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **MEM_EXT_TIMEOUT** | _natural_ | 255
3+| Clock cycles after which a pending external bus access will auto-terminate and raise a bus fault exception.
If set to zero, there will be no auto-timeout and no bus fault exception (might permanently stall system!).
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _MEM_EXT_PIPE_MODE_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **MEM_EXT_PIPE_MODE** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Use _standard_ ("classic") Wishbone protocol for external bus when _false_.
Use _pipelined_ Wishbone protocol when _true_.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _MEM_EXT_BIG_ENDIAN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **MEM_EXT_BIG_ENDIAN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Use BIG endian interface for external bus when _true_. Use little endian interface when _false_.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _MEM_EXT_ASYNC_RX_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **MEM_EXT_ASYNC_RX** | _boolen_ | false
3+| By default, _MEM_EXT_ASYNC_RX_ = _false_ implements a registered read-back path (RX) for incoming data in the bus interface
in order to shorten the critical path. By setting _MEM_EXT_ASYNC_RX_ = _true_ an _asynchronous_ ("direct") read-back path is
implemented reducing access latency by one cycle but eventually increasing the critical path.
|======


// ####################################################################################################################
:sectnums:
==== Stream Link Interface

See section <<_stream_link_interface_slink>> for more information.


:sectnums!:
===== _SLINK_NUM_TX_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **SLINK_NUM_TX** | _natural_ | 0
3+| Number of TX (send) links to implement. Valid values are 0..8.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _SLINK_NUM_RX_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **SLINK_NUM_RX** | _natural_ | 0
3+| Number of RX (receive) links to implement. Valid values are 0..8.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _SLINK_TX_FIFO_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **SLINK_TX_FIFO** | _natural_ | 1
3+| Internal FIFO depth for _all_ implemented TX links. Valid values are 1..32k and have to be a power of two.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _SLINK_RX_FIFO_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **SLINK_RX_FIFO** | _natural_ | 1
3+| Internal FIFO depth for _all_ implemented RX links. Valid values are 1..32k and have to be a power of two.
|======


// ####################################################################################################################
:sectnums:
==== External Interrupt Controller

See section <<_external_interrupt_controller_xirq>> for more information.


:sectnums!:
===== _XIRQ_NUM_CH_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **XIRQ_NUM_CH** | _natural_ | 0
3+| Number of external interrupt channels o implement. Valid values are 0..32.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _XIRQ_TRIGGER_TYPE_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **XIRQ_TRIGGER_TYPE** | _std_ulogic_vector(31 downto 0)_ | 0xFFFFFFFF
3+| Interrupt trigger type configuration (one bit for each IRQ channel): `0` = level-triggered, '1' = edge triggered.
<<_xirq_trigger_polarity>> generic is used to specify the actual level (high/low) or edge (falling/rising).
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _XIRQ_TRIGGER_POLARITY_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **XIRQ_TRIGGER_POLARITY** | _std_ulogic_vector(31 downto 0)_ | 0xFFFFFFFF
3+| Interrupt trigger polarity configuration (one bit for each IRQ channel): `0` = low-level/falling-edge,
'1' = high-level/rising-edge. <<_xirq_trigger_type>> generic is used to specify the actual type (level or edge).
|======


// ####################################################################################################################
:sectnums:
==== Processor Peripheral/IO Modules

See section <<_processor_internal_modules>> for more information.


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_GPIO_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_GPIO_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement general purpose input/output port unit (GPIO) when _true_.
See section <<_general_purpose_input_and_output_port_gpio>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_MTIME_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_MTIME_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement machine system timer (MTIME) when _true_.
See section <<_machine_system_timer_mtime>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_UART0_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_UART0_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement primary universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART0) when _true_.
See section <<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0>> for
more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_UART0_RX_FIFO_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_UART0_RX_FIFO** | _natural_ | 1
3+| UART0 receiver FIFO depth, has to be a power of two, minimum value is 1 (implementing simple double-buffering).
See section <<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0>> for
more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_UART0_TX_FIFO_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_UART0_TX_FIFO** | _natural_ | 1
3+| UART0 transmitter FIFO depth, has to be a power of two, minimum value is 1 (implementing simple double-buffering).
See section <<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0>> for
more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_UART1_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_UART1_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement secondary universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART1) when _true_.
See section <<_secondary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart1>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_UART1_RX_FIFO_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_UART1_RX_FIFO** | _natural_ | 1
3+| UART1 receiver FIFO depth, has to be a power of two, minimum value is 1 (implementing simple double-buffering).
See section <<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0>> for
more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_UART1_TX_FIFO_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_UART1_TX_FIFO** | _natural_ | 1
3+| UART1 transmitter FIFO depth, has to be a power of two, minimum value is 1 (implementing simple double-buffering).
See section <<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0>> for
more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_SPI_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_SPI_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement serial peripheral interface controller (SPI) when _true_.
See section <<_serial_peripheral_interface_controller_spi>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_TWI_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_TWI_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement two-wire interface controller (TWI) when _true_.
See section <<_two_wire_serial_interface_controller_twi>> for
more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_PWM_NUM_CH_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_PWM_NUM_CH** | _natural_ | 0
3+| Number of pulse-width modulation (PWM) channels (0..60) to implement. The PWM controller is _not_ implemented if zero.
See section <<_pulse_width_modulation_controller_pwm>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_WDT_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_WDT_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement watchdog timer (WDT) when _true_. See section <<_watchdog_timer_wdt>> for more
information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_TRNG_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_TRNG_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement true-random number generator (TRNG) when _true_. See section <<_true_random_number_generator_trng>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_CFS_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_CFS_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement custom functions subsystem (CFS) when _true_. See section <<_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_CFS_CONFIG_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_CFS_CONFIG** | _std_ulogic_vector(31 downto 0)_ | 0x"00000000"
3+| This is a "conduit" generic that can be used to pass user-defined CFS implementation flags to the custom
functions subsystem entity. See section <<_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_CFS_IN_SIZE_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_CFS_IN_SIZE** | _positive_ | 32
3+| Defines the size of the CFS input signal conduit (`cfs_in_i`). See section <<_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_CFS_OUT_SIZE_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_CFS_OUT_SIZE** | _positive_ | 32
3+| Defines the size of the CFS output signal conduit (`cfs_out_o`). See section <<_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_NEOLED_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_NEOLED_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement smart LED interface (WS2812 / NeoPixel(TM)-compatible) (NEOLED) when _true_.
See section <<_smart_led_interface_neoled>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_NEOLED_TX_FIFO_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_NEOLED_TX_FIFO** | _natural_ | 1
3+| TX FIFO depth of the the NEOLED module. Minimal value is 1, maximal value is 32k, has to be a power of two.
See section <<_smart_led_interface_neoled>> for more information.
|======


:sectnums!:
===== _IO_GPTMR_EN_

[cols="4,4,2"]
[frame="all",grid="none"]
|======
| **IO_GPTMR_EN** | _boolean_ | false
3+| Implement general purpose 32-bit timer (GPTMR) when _true_.
See section <<_general_purpose_timer_gptmr>> for more information.
|======



<<<
// ####################################################################################################################
:sectnums:
=== Processor Interrupts

The NEORV32 Processor provides several interrupt request signals (IRQs) for custom platform use.


:sectnums:
==== RISC-V Standard Interrupts

The processor setup features the standard machine-level RISC-V interrupt lines for "machine timer interrupt", "machine
software interrupt" and "machine external interrupt". Their usage is defined by the RISC-V privileged architecture
specifications. However, bare-metal system can also repurpose these interrupts. See CPU section
<<_traps_exceptions_and_interrupts>> for more information.

[cols="<3,^2,<11"]
[options="header",grid="rows"]
|=======================
| Top signal | Width | Description
| `mtime_irq_i` | 1 | Machine timer interrupt from _processor-external_ MTIME unit. This IRQ is only available if the processor-internal MTIME unit is not used (<<_io_mtime_en>> = false).
| `msw_irq_i`   | 1 | Machine software interrupt. This interrupt is used for inter-processor interrupts in multi-core systems. However, it can also be used for any custom purpose.
| `mext_irq_i`  | 1 | Machine external interrupt. This interrupt is used for any processor-external interrupt source (like a platform interrupt controller).
|=======================

.Trigger type
[IMPORTANT]
The fast interrupt request channel trigger on **high-level** and have to stay asserted until explicitly acknowledged
by the software (for example by writing to a specific memory-mapped register). Hence, pending interrupts remain pending
as long as the interrupt-causing device's state fulfills it's interrupt condition(s).


:sectnums:
==== Platform External Interrupts

[cols="<3,^2,<11"]
[options="header",grid="rows"]
|=======================
| Top signal | Width | Description
| `xirq_i` | up to 32 | External platform interrupts (user-defined).
|=======================

The processor provides an optional interrupt controller for up to 32 user-defined external interrupts
(see section <<_external_interrupt_controller_xirq>>). These external IRQs are mapped to a _single_ CPU
fast interrupt request so a software handler is required to differentiate / prioritize these interrupts.

.Trigger type
[IMPORTANT]
The trigger for these interrupt can be defined via generics. See section
<<_external_interrupt_controller_xirq>> for more information. Depending on the trigger type, users can
implement custom acknowledge mechanisms. All _external interrupts_ are mapped to a single processor-internal
_fast interrupt request_ (see below).


:sectnums:
==== NEORV32-Specific Fast Interrupt Requests

As part of the custom/NEORV32-specific CPU extensions, the CPU features 16 fast interrupt request signals
(`FIRQ0` - `FIRQ15`). These are reserved for _processor-internal_ modules only (for example for the communication
interfaces to signal "available incoming data" or "ready to send new data").

The mapping of the 16 FIRQ channels is shown in the following table (the channel number also corresponds to
the according FIRQ priority; 0 = highest, 15 = lowest):

.NEORV32 fast interrupt channel mapping
[cols="^1,<2,<7"]
[options="header",grid="rows"]
|=======================
| Channel | Source | Description
| 0       | <<_watchdog_timer_wdt,WDT>> | watchdog timeout interrupt
| 1       | <<_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs,CFS>> | custom functions subsystem (CFS) interrupt (user-defined)
| 2       | <<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0,UART0>> | UART0 data received interrupt (RX complete)
| 3       | <<_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0,UART0>> | UART0 sending done interrupt (TX complete)
| 4       | <<_secondary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart1,UART1>> | UART1 data received interrupt (RX complete)
| 5       | <<_secondary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart1,UART1>> | UART1 sending done interrupt (TX complete)
| 6       | <<_serial_peripheral_interface_controller_spi,SPI>> | SPI transmission done interrupt
| 7       | <<_two_wire_serial_interface_controller_twi,TWI>> | TWI transmission done interrupt
| 8       | <<_external_interrupt_controller_xirq,XIRQ>> | External interrupt controller interrupt
| 9       | <<_smart_led_interface_neoled,NEOLED>> | NEOLED TX buffer interrupt
| 10      | <<_stream_link_interface_slink,SLINK>> | RX data buffer interrupt
| 11      | <<_stream_link_interface_slink,SLINK>> | TX data buffer interrupt
| 12      | <<_general_purpose_timer_gptmr,GPTMR>> | General purpose timer interrupt
| 13:15   | - | _reserved_, will never fire
|=======================

.Trigger type
[IMPORTANT]
The fast interrupt request channel trigger on **high-level** and have to stay asserted until explicitly acknowledged
by the software (for example by writing to a specific memory-mapped register). Hence, pending interrupts remain pending
as long as the interrupt-causing device's state fulfills it's interrupt condition(s).



<<<
// ####################################################################################################################
:sectnums:
=== Address Space

The NEORV32 Processor provides a 32-bit / 4GB (physical) address space
By default, this address space is divided into five main regions:

1. **Instruction address space** - memory address space for instructions (=code) and constants.
A configurable section of this address space is used by the internal/external _instruction memory_ (<<_mem_int_imem_size>> for the internal IMEM).
2. **Data address space** - memory address space for application runtime data (heap, stack, etc.).
A configurable section of this address space is used by the internal/external _data memory_ (<<_mem_int_dmem_size>> for the internal DMEM).
3. **Bootloader address space**. A _fixed_ section of this address space is used by the
internal _bootloader memory_ (BOOTLDROM).
4. **On-Chip Debugger address space**. This _fixed_ section is entirely used by the processor's <<_on_chip_debugger_ocd>>.
5. **IO/peripheral address space**. Also a _fixed_ section used for the processor-internal memory-mapped IO/peripheral devices (e.g., UART).

.NEORV32 processor - address space (default configuration)
image::address_space.png[900]


:sectnums:
==== CPU Data and Instruction Access

The CPU can access all of the 4GB address space from the instruction fetch interface (**I**) and also from the
data access interface (**D**). These two CPU interfaces are multiplexed by a simple bus switch
(`rtl/core/neorv32_busswitch.vhd`) into a _single_ processor-internal bus. All processor-internal
memories, peripherals and also the external memory interface are connected to this bus. Hence, both CPU
interfaces (instruction fetch & data access) have access to the same (**identical**) address space making the
setup a modified von-Neumann architecture.

.Processor-internal bus architecture
image::neorv32_bus.png[1300]

[NOTE]
The internal processor bus might appear as bottleneck. In order to reduce traffic jam on this bus
(when instruction fetch and data interface access the bus at the same time) the instruction fetch of
the CPU is equipped with a prefetch buffer. Instruction fetches can be further buffered using the i-cache.
Furthermore, data accesses (loads and stores) have higher priority than instruction fetch
accesses.

[IMPORTANT]
Please note that all processor-internal components including the peripheral/IO devices can also be
accessed from programs running in less-privileged user mode. For example, if the system relies on
a periodic interrupt from the _MTIME_ timer unit, user-level programs could alter the _MTIME_
configuration corrupting this interrupt. This kind of security issues can be compensated using the
PMP system (see <<_machine_physical_memory_protection>>).


:sectnums:
==== Address Space Layout

The general address space layout consists of two main configuration constants: `ispace_base_c` defining
the base address of the _instruction memory address space_ and `dspace_base_c` defining the base address of
the _data memory address space_. Both constants are defined in the NEORV32 VHDL package file
`rtl/core/neorv32_package.vhd`:

[source,vhdl]
----
-- Architecture Configuration ----------------------------------------------------
-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
constant ispace_base_c : std_ulogic_vector(31 downto 0) := x"00000000";
constant dspace_base_c : std_ulogic_vector(31 downto 0) := x"80000000";
----

The default configuration assumes the _instruction memory address space_ starting at address _0x00000000_
and the _data memory address space_ starting at _0x80000000_. Both values can be modified for a specific
setup and the address space may overlap or can be completely identical. Make sure that both base addresses
are _aligned_ to a 4-byte boundary.

[NOTE]
The base address of the internal bootloader (at _0xFFFF0000_) and the internal IO region (at _0xFFFFFE00_) for
peripheral devices are also defined in the package and are fixed. These address regions cannot not be used for other
applications - even if the bootloader or all IO devices are not implemented - without modifying the core's
hardware sources.


:sectnums:
==== Physical Memory Attributes

The processor setup defines fixed attributes for the four processor-internal address space regions.
Accessing a memory region in a way that violates any of these attributes will raise an according
access exception..

* `r` - read access (from CPU data access interface, "loads")
* `w` - write access (from CPU data access interface, "stores")
* `x` - execute access (from CPU instruction fetch interface)
* `a` - atomic access (from CPU data access interface)
* `8` - byte (8-bit)-accessible (when writing)
* `16` - half-word (16-bit)-accessible (when writing)
* `32` - word (32-bit)-accessible (when writing)

[NOTE]
Read accesses (loads and instruction fetches) can always access data in
word, half-word (for instruction fetch only if `C` extension is enabled)
and byte (not for instruction fetch) quantities (requiring an accordingly aligned address).

[TIP]
The following table shows the _default hardware-defined_ physical memory attributes of each main address space region.
Additional user-defined attributes (for example certain read/write/execute rights for specific address space regions) can be
provided using the RISC-V <<_machine_physical_memory_protection>>.

[cols="^1,^2,^2,^3,^2"]
[options="header",grid="rows"]
|=======================
| # | Region                | Base address | Size        | Attributes
| 5 | IO/peripheral devices | 0xfffffe00   | 512 bytes   | `r/w/a/32`
| 4 | On-chip debugger      | 0xfffff800   | 512 bytes   | `r/w/x/32`
| 3 | Bootloader ROM        | 0xffff0000   | up to 32kB  | `r/x/a`
| 2 | DMEM                  | 0x80000000   | up to "2GB" | `r/w/x/a/8/16/32`
| 1 | IMEM                  | 0x00000000   | up to 2GB   | `r/w/x/a/8/16/32`
|=======================


:sectnums:
==== Memory Configuration

The NEORV32 Processor was designed to provide maximum flexibility for the memory configuration.
The processor can populate the _instruction address space_ and/or the _data address space_ with **internal memories**
for instructions (IMEM) and data (DMEM). Processor **external memories** can be used as an _alternative_ or even _in combination_ with
the internal ones. The figure below show some exemplary memory configurations.

.Exemplary memory configurations
image::neorv32_memory_configurations.png[800]

:sectnums!:
===== Internal Memories

The processor-internal memories (<<_instruction_memory_imem>> and <<_data_memory_dmem>>) are enabled (=implemented)
via the <<_mem_int_imem_en>> and <<_mem_int_dmem_en>> generics. Their sizes are configures via the according
<<_mem_int_imem_size>> and <<_mem_int_dmem_size>> generics.

If the processor-internal IMEM is implemented, it is located right at the base address of the instruction
address space (default `ispace_base_c` = _0x00000000_). Vice versa, the processor-internal data memory is
located right at the beginning of the data address space (default `dspace_base_c` = _0x80000000_) when
implemented.

[TIP]
The default processor setup uses only _internal_ memories.

[NOTE]
If the IMEM (internal or external) is less than the (default) maximum size (2GB), there is
a "dead address space" between it and the DMEM. This provides an additional safety feature
since data corrupting scenarios like stack overflow cannot directly corrupt the content of the IMEM:
any access to the "dead address space" in between will raise an exception that can be caught
by the runtime environment.

:sectnums!:
===== External Memories

If external memories (or further IP modules) shall be connected via the _processor's external bus interface_,
the interface has to be enabled via <<_mem_ext_en>> generic (=_true_). More information regarding this interface can be
found in section <<_processor_external_memory_interface_wishbone_axi4_lite>>.

Any CPU access (data or instructions), which does not fulfill _at least one_ of the following conditions, is forwarded
via the processor's bus interface to external components:

* access to the processor-internal IMEM and processor-internal IMEM is implemented
* access to the processor-internal DMEM and processor-internal DMEM is implemented
* access to the bootloader ROM and beyond → addresses >= _BOOTROM_BASE_ (default 0xFFFF0000) will never be forwarded to the external memory interface

If no (or not all) processor-internal memories are implemented, the according base addresses are mapped to external memories.
For example, if the processor-internal IMEM is not implemented (<<_mem_int_imem_en>> = _false_), the processor will forward
any access to the instruction address space (starting at `ispace_base_c`) via the external bus interface to the external
memory system.

[NOTE]
If the external interface is deactivated, any access exceeding the internal memory address space (instruction, data, bootloader) or
the internal peripheral address space will trigger a bus access fault exception.


:sectnums:
==== Boot Configuration

Due to the flexible memory configuration concept, the NEORV32 Processor provides several different boot concepts.
The figure below shows the exemplary concepts for the two most common boot scenarios.

.NEORV32 boot configurations
image::neorv32_boot_configurations.png[800]

[NOTE]
The configuration of internal or external data memory (DMEM; <<_mem_int_dmem_en>> = _true_ / _false_) is not further
relevant for the boot configuration itself. Hence, it is not further illustrated here.

There are two general boot scenarios: _Indirect Boot_ (1a and 1b) and _Direct Boot_ (2a and 2b) configured via the
<<_int_bootloader_en>> generic  If this generic is set **true** the _indirect_ boot scenario is used. This is also the
default boot configuration of the processor. If <<_int_bootloader_en>> is set **false** the _direct_ boot scenario is used.

[NOTE]
Please note that the provided boot scenarios are just exemplary setups that (should) fit most common requirements.
Much more sophisticated boot scenarios are possible by combining internal and external memories. For example, the default
internal bootloader could be used as first-level bootloader that loads (from extern SPI flash) a second-level bootloader
that is placed and execute in internal IMEM. This second-level bootloader could then fetch the actual application and
store it to external _data_ memory and transfers CPU control to that.

:sectnums!:
===== Indirect Boot

The _indirect_ boot scenarios **1a** and **1b** use the processor-internal <<_bootloader>>. This general setup is enabled
by setting the <<_int_bootloader_en>> generic to true, which will implement the processor-internal <<_bootloader_rom_bootrom>>.
This read-only memory is pre-initialized during synthesis with the default bootloader firmware.

The bootloader provides several options to upload an executable (via UART or from external SPI flash) and store it to
the _instruction address space_ so the CPU can execute it. Boot scenario **1a** uses the processor-internal IMEM
(<<_mem_int_imem_en>> = _true_). This scenario implements the internal <<_instruction_memory_imem>> as non-initialized
RAM so the bootloader can write the actual executable to it.

Boot scenario **1b** uses a processor-external IMEM (<<_mem_int_imem_en>> = _false_) that is connected via the processor's
bus interface. In this scenario the internal <<_instruction_memory_imem>> is not implemented at all and the bootloader will
write the executable to the processor-external memory.

:sectnums!:
===== Direct Boot

The _direct_ boot scenarios **2a** and **2b** do not use the processor-internal bootloader. Hence, the <<_int_bootloader_en>>
generic is set _false_. In this configuration the <<_bootloader_rom_bootrom>> is not implemented at all and the CPU will
directly begin executing code from the instruction address space after reset. A "pre-initialization mechanism is required
in order to provide an executable _in_ memory.

Boot scenario **2a** uses the processor-internal IMEM (<<_mem_int_imem_en>> = _true_) that is implemented as _read-only memory_
in this scenario. It is pre-initialized (by the bitstream) with the actual application executable.

In contrast, boot scenario **2b** uses a processor-external IMEM (<<_mem_int_imem_en>> = _false_). In this scenario the
system designer is responsible for providing a initialized external memory that contains the actual application to be executed.



<<<
// ####################################################################################################################
:sectnums:
=== Processor-Internal Modules

Basically, the processor is a SoC consisting of the NEORV32 CPU, peripheral/IO devices, embedded
memories, an external memory interface and a bus infrastructure to interconnect all units. Additionally, the
system implements an internal reset generator and a global clock generator/divider.

**Internal Reset Generator**

Most processor-internal modules - except for the CPU and the watchdog timer - do not have a dedicated
reset signal. However, all devices can be reset by software by clearing the corresponding unit's control
register. The automatically included application start-up code (`crt0.S`) will perform a software-reset of all
modules to ensure a clean system reset state.

The hardware reset signal of the processor can either be
triggered via the external reset pin (`rstn_i`, low-active) or by the internal watchdog timer (if implemented).
Before the external reset signal is applied to the system, it is extended to have a minimal duration of eight
clock cycles.

**Internal Clock Divider**

An internal clock divider generates 8 clock signals derived from the processor's main clock input `clk_i`.
These derived clock signals are not actual _clock signals_. Instead, they are derived from a simple counter and
are used as "clock enable" signal by the different processor modules. Thus, the whole design operates using
only the main clock signal (single clock domain). Some of the processor peripherals like the Watchdog or the
UARTs can select one of the derived clock enabled signals for their internal operation. If none of the
connected modules require a clock signal from the divider, it is automatically deactivated to reduce dynamic
power.

The peripheral devices, which feature a time-based configuration, provide a three-bit prescaler select in their
according control register to select one out of the eight available clocks. The mapping of the prescaler select
bits to the actually obtained clock are shown in the table below. Here, f represents the processor main clock
from the top entity's `clk_i` signal.

[cols="<3,^1,^1,^1,^1,^1,^1,^1,^1"]
[grid="rows"]
|=======================
| Prescaler bits:  | `0b000` | `0b001` | `0b010` | `0b011` | `0b100` | `0b101` | `0b110` | `0b111`
| Resulting clock: | _f/2_   | _f/4_   | _f/8_   | _f/64_  | _f/128_ | _f/1024_| _f/2048_| _f/4096_
|=======================

**Peripheral / IO Devices**

The processor-internal peripheral/IO devices are located at the end of the 32-bit address space at base
address _0xFFFFFE00_. A region of 512 bytes is reserved for this devices. Hence, all peripheral/IO devices are
accessed using a memory-mapped scheme. A special linker script as well as the NEORV32 core software
library abstract the specific memory layout for the user.

[IMPORTANT]
The base address of each component/module has to be aligned to the
total size of the module's occupied address space! The occupied address space
has to be a power of two (minimum 4 bytes)! Address spaces must not overlap!

[IMPORTANT]
When accessing an IO device that hast not been implemented (via the according _IO_x_EN_ generic), a
load/store access fault exception is triggered.

[IMPORTANT]
The peripheral/IO devices can only be written in full-word mode (i.e. 32-bit). Byte or half-word
(8/16-bit) writes will trigger a store access fault exception. Read accesses are not size constrained.
Processor-internal memories as well as modules connected to the external memory interface can still
be written with a byte-wide granularity.

[TIP]
You should use the provided core software library to interact with the peripheral devices. This
prevents incompatibilities with future versions, since the hardware driver functions handle all the
register and register bit accesses.

[TIP]
Most of the IO devices do not have a hardware reset. Instead, the devices are reset via software by
writing zero to the unit's control register. A general software-based reset of all devices is done by the
application start-up code `crt0.S`.

**Interrupts of Processor-Internal Modules**

Most peripheral/IO devices provide some kind of interrupt (for example to signal available incoming data). These
interrupts are entirely mapped to the CPU's <<_custom_fast_interrupt_request_lines>>. Note that all these
interrupt lines are high-active and are permanently triggered until the IRQ-causing condition is resolved.

**Nomenclature for the Peripheral / IO Devices Listing**

Each peripheral device chapter features a register map showing accessible control and data registers of the
according device including the implemented control and status bits. C-language code can directly interact with these
registers via pre-defined `struct`. Each IO/peripheral module provides a unique `struct`. All accessible
interface registers of this module are defined as members of this `struct`. The pre-defined `struct` are defined int the
main processor core library include file `sw/lib/include/neorv32.h`.

The naming scheme of these low-level hardware access structs is `NEORV32_<module_name>.<register_name>`.

.Low-level hardware access example in C using the pre-defined `struct`
[source,c]
----
// Read from SYSINFO "CLK" register
uint32_t temp = NEORV32_SYSINFO.CLK;
----

The registers and/or register bits, which can be accessed directly using plain C-code, are marked with a "[C]".
Not all registers or register bits can be arbitrarily read/written. The following read/write access types are
available:

* `r/w` registers / bits can be read and written
* `r/-` registers / bits are read-only; any write access to them has no effect
* `-/w` these registers / bits are write-only; they auto-clear in the next cycle and are always read as zero

[TIP]
Bits / registers that are not listed in the register map tables are not (yet) implemented. These registers
/ bits are always read as zero. A write access to them has no effect, but user programs should only
write zero to them to keep compatible with future extension.

[TIP]
When writing to read-only registers, the access is nevertheless acknowledged, but no actual data is
written. When reading data from a write-only register the result is undefined.


include::soc_imem.adoc[]

include::soc_dmem.adoc[]

include::soc_bootrom.adoc[]

include::soc_icache.adoc[]

include::soc_wishbone.adoc[]

include::soc_buskeeper.adoc[]

include::soc_slink.adoc[]

include::soc_gpio.adoc[]

include::soc_wdt.adoc[]

include::soc_mtime.adoc[]

include::soc_uart.adoc[]

include::soc_spi.adoc[]

include::soc_twi.adoc[]

include::soc_pwm.adoc[]

include::soc_trng.adoc[]

include::soc_cfs.adoc[]

include::soc_neoled.adoc[]

include::soc_xirq.adoc[]

include::soc_gptmr.adoc[]

include::soc_sysinfo.adoc[]