GRIP: graphics reduced instruction processor

Abstract

A B S TRA C E This paper presents an original approach for designing a new 2D graphics processor. The paradigm of the Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC) is applied in the design of thk graphics processor. First, a set of 2D graphics operations that are commonly encountered in graphics processing are delineated. Next, these operations are evaluated from the perspective of implementing them in a RISC style, single cycle, pipelined execution. Subsequently, the GRIP datapath is designed with the objective of implementing both the commonly encountered general purpose operations as well as the fundamental graphics operations. The motivation behind the integrated design of a general purpose processor with graphics capability is the author’s belief in an increasing role of graphics and window based interfaces for the ergonomicsgeared software applications of the future. Such an integration also results in a reduction of the system development and integration cost. The paper demonstrates that the RISC based approach to design of a processor with graphics capability also results in considerable performance improvements, in addition to the elimination of the communication delays. The net result of adopting the proposed approach is thus a polynomial increase in the Performance/Cost ratio, compared to a system incorporating a separate 2D graphics co-processor.