
Product Brief
August 2000
Silicore* SLC1655 8-bit RISC Microcontroller/VHDL
Core
Product Overview
The Silicore SLC1655 is an 8-bit RISC microcontrol-
ler. It is delivered as a VHDL soft core module, and is
intended for use in both FPGA and ASIC type
devices. It is useful for microprocessor based embed-
ded control applications such as: sensors, medical
devices, consumer electronics, automotive systems,
telecommunications, military, and industrial controls.
The core is especially useful wherever there is limited
printed circuit board space. All microprocessor and
application functions can be integrated onto a single
FPGA or ASIC device, thereby creating a very com-
pact design. For example, very small sensor circuits
can be created with this core.
When implemented on an FPGA device, the Silicore
SLC1655 offers a completely user-defined microcon-
troller. This eliminates expensive NRE charges and
lengthy lead times which are common for semicus-
tom integrated circuits. The end user can completely
control the entire system integration process.
The core is also useful for high-volume applications.
That’s because it is unusually compact, and can be
produced inexpensively in ASIC parts.
The Silicore SLC1655 can be used in a number of
FPGA and ASIC target devices. This gives the user a
wide range of options in mechanical packaging, tem-
perature ranges, military specifications, and radiation
hardening.
Numerous software tools are available for the Silicore
SLC1655. The core is software compatible with the
industry standard PIC
series of microcontrollers
made by Microchip Technology Inc. (SilicoreCorpo-
ration is not affiliated with Microchip Technology Inc.).
There are many software tools available from third-
party vendors. These include assemblers, C compil-
ers, simulators, and fuzzy logic tools.
The core is delivered as a kit and includes complete
documentation, VHDLsource code, test benches,
technical reference manual, generous license agree-
ment, factory technical support, and an evaluation
board. On-site training is also available at an extra
charge.
The evaluation board demonstrates the capabilities
of the microcontroller. It also includes an emulation
ROM capability. This allows the user to assemble and
download application software through a PC compat-
ible parallel port cable. The (optional) VHDLparallel
port interface entity is also included with the devel-
oper’s kit.
SilicoreSLC1655 Features
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8-bit RISC microcontroller.
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Dual instruction and data buses with Harvard
architecture.
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Fast operation: all microcontroller instructions
(except branches) require one clock cycle. Branch
instructions require two clock cycles.
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Very compact design minimizes gate count.
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24 input and 48 output I/O lines.
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General purpose, 8-bit timer/counter module.
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Powerdown/sleep mode for low power applications.
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Instruction ROM
§
: 512 x 12 bit. Can be configured
as embedded ROM, or as an emulation ROM for
software development purposes.
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General purpose registers (RAM): 24 bytes.
* Silicore s a service mark and trademark of Silicore Corp.
VHDLis a trademark of Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
PIC s a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc.
§ Contact Silicorefor versions with more RAM and ROM.