[![NEORV32](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/stnolting/neorv32/main/docs/figures/neorv32_logo_dark.png)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32)

# The NEORV32 RISC-V Processor

[![datasheet (pdf)](https://img.shields.io/badge/data%20sheet-PDF-ffbd00?longCache=true&style=flat-square&logo=asciidoctor)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/releases/tag/nightly)
[![datasheet (html)](https://img.shields.io/badge/-HTML-ffbd00?longCache=true&style=flat-square)](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32)
[![userguide (pdf)](https://img.shields.io/badge/user%20guide-PDF-ffbd00?longCache=true&style=flat-square&logo=asciidoctor)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/releases/tag/nightly)
[![userguide (html)](https://img.shields.io/badge/-HTML-ffbd00?longCache=true&style=flat-square)](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug)
[![doxygen](https://img.shields.io/badge/doxygen-HTML-ffbd00?longCache=true&style=flat-square&logo=Doxygen)](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/sw/files.html)
[![Gitter](https://img.shields.io/badge/Chat-on%20gitter-4db797.svg?longCache=true&style=flat-square&logo=gitter&logoColor=e8ecef)](https://gitter.im/neorv32/community?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=badge&utm_campaign=pr-badge&utm_content=badge)

1. [Overview](#1-Overview)
   * [Key Features](#Project-Key-Features)
   * [Status](#status)
2. [Processor/SoC Features](#2-NEORV32-Processor-Features)
   * [FPGA Implementation Results](#FPGA-Implementation-Results---Processor)
3. [CPU Features](#3-NEORV32-CPU-Features)
   * [Available ISA Extensions](#Available-ISA-Extensions)
   * [FPGA Implementation Results](#FPGA-Implementation-Results---CPU)
   * [Performance](#Performance)
4. [Software Framework & Tooling](#4-Software-Framework-and-Tooling)
5. [**Getting Started**](#5-Getting-Started) :rocket:



## 1. Overview

![neorv32 Overview](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/stnolting/neorv32/main/docs/figures/neorv32_processor.png)

The NEORV32 Processor is a **customizable microcontroller-like system on chip (SoC)** that is based on the
[RISC-V](https://riscv.org/) NEORV32 CPU.
The project is intended as auxiliary processor in larger SoC designs or as *ready-to-go* stand-alone
custom microcontroller that even fits into a Lattice iCE40 UltraPlus 5k low-power FPGA running at 24 MHz.

Special focus is paid on **execution safety** to provide defined and predictable behavior at any time.
Therefore, the CPU ensures that all memory access are acknowledged and no invalid/malformed instructions
are executed. Whenever an unexpected situation occurs the application code is informed via precise and resumable hardware exceptions.

:interrobang: Want to know more? Check out the [project's rationale](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_rationale).

:books: For detailed information take a look at the [NEORV32 online documentation](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/).
The latest _pdf_ versions can be found [here](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/releases/tag/nightly).

:label: The project's change log is available in [`CHANGELOG.md`](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md).
To see the changes between _official releases_ visit the project's [release page](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/releases).

:package: [**Exemplary setups**](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32-setups) targeting
various FPGA boards and toolchains to get you started.

:kite: Supported by upstream [Zephyr OS](https://docs.zephyrproject.org/latest/boards/riscv/neorv32/doc/index.html) and FreeRTOS.

:bulb: Feel free to open a [new issue](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/issues) or start a
[new discussion](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/discussions) if you have questions, comments, ideas or if something is
not working as expected. Or have a chat on our [gitter channel](https://gitter.im/neorv32/community).
See how to [contribute](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md).

:rocket: Check out the [quick links below](#5-Getting-Started) or directly jump to the
[*User Guide*](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/) to get started
setting up your NEORV32 setup!


### Project Key Features

- [x] all-in-one package: **CPU** plus **SoC** plus **Software Framework & Tooling**
- [x] completely described in behavioral, platform-independent VHDL - no primitives, macros, etc.
- [x] be as small as possible while being as RISC-V-compliant as possible
- [x] from zero to `printf("hello world!");` - completely open source and documented
- [x] easy to use even for FPGA/RISC-V starters – intended to work *out of the box*


### Status

[![release](https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/stnolting/neorv32?longCache=true&style=flat-square&logo=GitHub)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/releases)
[![GitHub Pages](https://img.shields.io/website.svg?label=stnolting.github.io%2Fneorv32&longCache=true&style=flat-square&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstnolting.github.io%2Fneorv32%2Findex.html&logo=GitHub)](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32)
\
[![Documentation](https://img.shields.io/github/workflow/status/stnolting/neorv32/Documentation/main?longCache=true&style=flat-square&label=Documentation&logo=Github%20Actions&logoColor=fff)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/actions?query=workflow%3ADocumentation)
[![riscv-arch-test](https://img.shields.io/github/workflow/status/stnolting/neorv32/riscv-arch-test/main?longCache=true&style=flat-square&label=riscv-arch-test&logo=Github%20Actions&logoColor=fff)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/actions?query=workflow%3Ariscv-arch-test)
[![Processor](https://img.shields.io/github/workflow/status/stnolting/neorv32/Processor/main?longCache=true&style=flat-square&label=Processor&logo=Github%20Actions&logoColor=fff)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/actions?query=workflow%3AProcessor)

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]


## 2. NEORV32 Processor Features

The NEORV32 Processor provides a full-featured microcontroller-like SoC build around the NEORV32 CPU. It is highly configurable
via generics to allow a flexible customization according to your needs. Note that all modules listed below are _optional_.

**Memory**

* processor-internal data and instruction memories ([DMEM](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_data_memory_dmem) /
[IMEM](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_instruction_memory_imem)) &
cache ([iCACHE](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_processor_internal_instruction_cache_icache))
* pre-installed bootloader ([BOOTLDROM](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_bootloader_rom_bootrom)) with serial user interface
  * allows booting application code via UART or from external SPI flash

**Timers**

* machine system timer, 64-bit ([MTIME](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_machine_system_timer_mtime)), RISC-V spec. compatible
* general purpose 32-bit timer ([GPTMR](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_general_purpose_timer_gptmr))
* watchdog timer ([WDT](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_watchdog_timer_wdt))

**Input/Output**

* standard serial interfaces
([UART](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_primary_universal_asynchronous_receiver_and_transmitter_uart0),
[SPI](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_serial_peripheral_interface_controller_spi),
[TWI](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_two_wire_serial_interface_controller_twi))
* general purpose [GPIO](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_general_purpose_input_and_output_port_gpio) and
[PWM](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_pulse_width_modulation_controller_pwm)
* smart LED interface ([NEOLED](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_smart_led_interface_neoled)) to directly control NeoPixel(TM) LEDs

**SoC Connectivity**

* 32-bit external bus interface, Wishbone b4 compatible
([WISHBONE](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_processor_external_memory_interface_wishbone_axi4_lite))
  * [wrappers](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/rtl/system_integration) for AXI4-Lite and Avalon-MM host interfaces
* 32-bit stream link interface with up to 8 independent RX and TX links
([SLINK](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_stream_link_interface_slink)) - AXI4-Stream compatible
* external interrupt controller with up to 32 channels
([XIRQ](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_external_interrupt_controller_xirq))

**Advanced**

* JTAG-accessible on-chip debugger ([OCD](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_on_chip_debugger_ocd)) - compliant to
the "Minimal RISC-V Debug Specification Version 0.13.2" and compatible with **OpenOCD** + **gdb** and **Segger Embedded Studio**
* _true random_ number generator ([TRNG](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_true_random_number_generator_trng))
* execute in place module ([XIP](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_execute_in_place_module_xip)) to directly execute code from SPI flash
* custom functions subsystem ([CFS](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_custom_functions_subsystem_cfs))
for tightly-coupled custom accelerators and interfaces
* custom functions unit ([CFU](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_custom_functions_unit_cfu)) for up to 1024
_custom RISC-V instructions_

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]


### FPGA Implementation Results - Processor

The hardware resources used by a specific processor setup is defined by the implemented CPU extensions,
the configuration of the peripheral modules and some "glue logic".
Section [_FPGA Implementation Results - Processor Modules_](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_processor_modules)
of the online datasheet shows the resource utilization of each optional processor module to allow an
estimation of the actual setup's hardware requirements.

:bulb: The [`neorv32-setups`](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32-setups) repository provides exemplary FPGA
setups targeting various FPGA boards and toolchains. The latest bitstreams and utilization reports for those setups
can be found in the assets of the [Implementation Workflow](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32-setups/actions/workflows/Implementation.yml).

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]



## 3. NEORV32 CPU Features

The NEORV32 CPU implements the RISC-V 32-bit `rv32i` ISA with optional extensions (see below). It is compatible to subsets of the
*Unprivileged ISA Specification* [(Version 2.2)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/docs/references/riscv-spec.pdf)
and the *Privileged Architecture Specification* [(Version 1.12)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/docs/references/riscv-privileged.pdf).
Compatibility is checked by passing the [official RISC-V architecture tests](https://github.com/riscv/riscv-arch-test).

The core is a little-endian Von-Neumann machine implemented as multi-cycle architecture.
However, the CPU's_front end (instruction fetch) and back end (instruction execution) can work independently to increase performance.
Currently, two privilege levels "machine-mode" and optional "user-mode" are supported. The CPU implements all three standard RISC-V machine
interrupts (MTI, MEI, MSI) plus 16 _fast interrupt requests_ as custom extensions.
It also supports **all** standard RISC-V exceptions (instruction/load/store misaligned address & bus access fault, illegal
instruction, breakpoint, environment calls).

:books: In-depth detailed information regarding the CPU can be found in the
[_Data Sheet: NEORV32 Central Processing Unit_](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_neorv32_central_processing_unit_cpu).


### Available ISA Extensions

The following _optional_ RISC-V-compatible and NEORV32-specific ISA extensions are available (linked to the according
documentation section):

**RV32
[[`I`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_i_base_integer_isa)/
[`E`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_e_embedded_cpu)]
[[`A`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_a_atomic_memory_access)]
[[`B`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_b_bit_manipulation_operations)]
[[`C`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_c_compressed_instructions)]
[[`M`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_m_integer_multiplication_and_division)]
[[`U`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_u_less_privileged_user_mode)]
[[`X`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_x_neorv32_specific_custom_extensions)]
[[`Zfinx`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_zfinx_single_precision_floating_point_operations)]
[[`Zicsr`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_zicsr_control_and_status_register_access_privileged_architecture)]
[[`Zicntr`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_zicntr_cpu_base_counters)]
[[`Zihpm`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_zihpm_hardware_performance_monitors)]
[[`Zifencei`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_zifencei_instruction_stream_synchronization)]
[[`Zmmul`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_zmmul_integer_multiplication)]
[[`Zxcfu`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_zxcfu_custom_instructions_extension_cfu)]
[[`PMP`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_pmp_physical_memory_protection)]
[[`DEBUG`](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_cpu_debug_mode)]**

:warning: The `B`, `Zfinx` and `Zmmul` RISC-V are frozen and officially ratified but there is no
upstream gcc support yet. To circumvent this, the NEORV32 software framework provides _intrinsic libraries_ for the
`B` and `Zfinx` extensions.

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]


### FPGA Implementation Results - CPU

Implementation results for _exemplary_ CPU configuration generated for an **Intel Cyclone IV E** `EP4CE22F17C6` FPGA
using **Intel Quartus Prime Lite 21.1** (no timing constrains, _balanced optimization_, f_max from _Slow 1200mV 0C Model_).

| CPU Configuration (version [1.6.8.3](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md)) | LEs | FFs | Memory bits | DSPs | f_max |
|:------------------------|:----:|:----:|:----:|:-:|:-------:|
| `rv32i_Zicsr`           | 1425 |  673 | 1024 | 0 | 118 MHz |
| `rv32i_Zicsr_Zicntr`    | 1778 |  803 | 1024 | 0 | 118 MHz |
| `rv32imac_Zicsr_Zicntr` | 2453 |  994 | 1024 | 0 | 118 MHz |   

:bulb: An incremental list of the CPUs ISA extension's hardware utilization can found in the
[_Data Sheet: FPGA Implementation Results - CPU_](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_cpu).

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]


### Performance

The NEORV32 CPU is based on a two-stages pipeline architecture (fetch and execute).
The average CPI (cycles per instruction) depends on the instruction mix of a specific applications and also on the
available CPU extensions.

The following table shows the performance results (scores and average CPI) for exemplary CPU configurations (no caches) executing
2000 iterations of the [CoreMark](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/sw/example/coremark) CPU benchmark
(using plain GCC10 rv32i built-in libraries only!).

| CPU Configuration (version [1.5.7.10](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md)) | CoreMark Score | CoreMarks/MHz | Average CPI |
|:------------------------------------------------|:-----:|:----------:|:--------:|
| _small_ (`rv32i_Zicsr`)                         | 33.89 | **0.3389** | **4.04** |
| _medium_ (`rv32imc_Zicsr`)                      | 62.50 | **0.6250** | **5.34** |
| _performance_ (`rv32imc_Zicsr` + perf. options) | 95.23 | **0.9523** | **3.54** |

:bulb: More information regarding the CPU performance can be found in the
[_Data Sheet: CPU Performance_](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_cpu_performance).

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]



## 4. Software Framework and Tooling

* [core libraries](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/tree/main/sw/lib) for high-level usage of the provided functions and peripherals
* application compilation based on GNU makefiles
* gcc-based toolchain ([pre-compiled toolchains available](https://github.com/stnolting/riscv-gcc-prebuilt))
* [SVD file](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/tree/main/sw/svd) for advanced debugging and IDE integration
* bootloader with UART interface console
* runtime environment for handling traps
* several [example programs](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/tree/main/sw/example) to get started including CoreMark, FreeRTOS and Conway's Game of Life
* doxygen-based documentation, available on [GitHub pages](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/sw/files.html)
* supports implementation using open source tooling ([GHDL](https://github.com/ghdl/ghdl), Yosys, nextpnr, ...) - both, software and hardware can be
developed and debugged with open source tooling
* [continuous integration](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/actions) is available for:
  * allowing users to see the expected execution/output of the tools
  * ensuring specification compliance
  * catching regressions
  * providing ready-to-use and up-to-date bitstreams and documentation

:books: Want to know more? Check out [_Data Sheet: Software Framework_](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_software_framework).

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]



## 5. Getting Started

This overview provides some *quick links* to the most important sections of the
[online Data Sheet](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32) and the
[online User Guide](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug).

### :electric_plug: Hardware Overview

* [Rationale](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_rationale) - NEORV32: why? how come? what for?

* [NEORV32 Processor](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_neorv32_processor_soc) - the SoC
  * [Top Entity - Signals](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_processor_top_entity_signals) - how to connect to the processor
  * [Top Entity - Generics](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_processor_top_entity_generics) - configuration options
  * [Address Space](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_address_space) - memory layout and boot configuration
  * [SoC Modules](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_processor_internal_modules) - available peripheral modules and memories
  * [On-Chip Debugger](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_on_chip_debugger_ocd) - online & in-system debugging of the processor via JTAG

* [NEORV32 CPU](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_neorv32_central_processing_unit_cpu) - the CPU
  * [RISC-V compatibility](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_risc_v_compatibility) - what is compatible to the specs. and what is not
  * [Full Virtualization](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_full_virtualization) - hardware execution safety
  * [ISA and Extensions](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_instruction_sets_and_extensions) - available RISC-V ISA extensions
  * [CSRs](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_control_and_status_registers_csrs) - control and status registers
  * [Traps](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_traps_exceptions_and_interrupts) - interrupts and exceptions

### :floppy_disk: Software Overview

* [Example Programs](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/tree/main/sw/example) - test program execution on your setup
* [Core Libraries](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_core_libraries) - high-level functions for accessing the processor's peripherals
  * [Software Framework Documentation](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/sw/files.html) - _doxygen_-based documentation
* [Application Makefiles](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_application_makefile) - turning your application into an executable
* [Bootloader](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_bootloader) - the build-in NEORV32 bootloader

### :rocket: User Guide

* [Toolchain Setup](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_software_toolchain_setup) - install and setup RISC-V gcc
* [General Hardware Setup](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_general_hardware_setup) - setup a new NEORV32 EDA project
* [General Software Setup](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_general_software_framework_setup) - configure the software framework
* [Application Compilation](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_application_program_compilation) - compile an application using "make"
* [Upload via Bootloader](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_uploading_and_starting_of_a_binary_executable_image_via_uart) - upload and execute executables
* [Application-Specific Processor Configuration](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_application_specific_processor_configuration) - tailor the processor to your needs
* [Adding Custom Hardware Modules](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_adding_custom_hardware_modules) - add _your_ custom hardware
* [Debugging via the On-Chip Debugger](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_debugging_using_the_on_chip_debugger) - step through code *online* and *in-system*
* [Simulation](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/#_simulating_the_processor) - simulate the whole SoC
  * [Hello World!](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/ug/index.html#_hello_world) - run a quick _"hello world"_ simulation

### :copyright: Legal

[![license](https://img.shields.io/github/license/stnolting/neorv32?longCache=true&style=flat)](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/LICENSE)
[![DOI](https://zenodo.org/badge/DOI/10.5281/zenodo.5018888.svg)](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5018888)

* [Overview](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_legal) - license, disclaimer, limitation of liability for external links, proprietary notice, ...
* [Citing](https://stnolting.github.io/neorv32/#_citing) - citing information

This is an open-source project that is free of charge. Use this project in any way you like
(as long as it complies to the permissive [license](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/blob/main/LICENSE)).
Please quote it appropriately. :+1:

[[back to top](#The-NEORV32-RISC-V-Processor)]


---------------------------------------

**:heart: A big shout-out goes to the community and all the [contributors](https://github.com/stnolting/neorv32/graphs/contributors), who helped improving this project!**
