CARP Meeting 6 and 7

Intro To Computer Architecture Slides

Note

These meetings marks the transition from design to verification and integration. With the multiplier and divider complete, the focus shifts to test coverage, pipeline verification, and layout validation for physical design readiness.

Where Are We At?

  • Core: CARP baseline operational; branch hazards pending integration.

  • Multiplier: Fully functional and verified at the unit level.

  • Divider: Completed and passing initial directed tests.

  • Next Milestone: Verify and integrate RV32M extension within the pipelined core.

Immediate Priorities

  1. Verification Continuation - Extend regression suite to include both multiplier and divider. - Begin core-level integration testing (M-extension through writeback). - Document verification coverage metrics and corner-case behaviors. - Validate hazard/stall/flush control under M-extension operations.

  2. Layout Progression - Continue SKY130 design rule familiarization and layout environment setup. - Review cell libraries, DRC/LVS conventions, and macro integration strategies. - Start placing initial floorplan prototypes with realistic module sizing.

  3. Documentation & Coordination - Consolidate multiplier/divider design documentation. - Update CARP Docs with verification flow instructions (Verilator/Icarus/Cocotb). - Record latency tables, signed/unsigned behavior, and testbench summaries.

Frontend Team (RTL Design)

Leads: Saul Rodriguez, Micah Miller

  • Responsibilities

    • Maintain stable RTL for multiplier and divider modules.

    • Support verification with annotated waveforms and timing notes.

    • Assist in pipeline-level integration (forwarding, stall logic).

  • Active Tasks (by today)

    • Finalize integration of M-extension into DE and EM stages.

    • Validate stall propagation with new hazard_unit.

    • Prepare short technical brief for divider latency and throughput.

Backend Team (Verification)

Leads: Robert Bloomfield

  • Responsibilities

    • Perform end-to-end verification for multiplier/divider.

    • Expand testbench coverage to random and edge-case operands.

    • Begin regression for combined pipeline execution (M-extension ops).

  • Active Tasks (by today)

    • Run full regression on multiplier/divider units.

    • Integrate both into core simulation and compare against Spike reference.

    • Draft preliminary coverage summary and test methodology document.

Layout Team (Physical / Floorplan)

Leads: Jarnail, Ryan

  • Responsibilities

    • Advance SKY130 layout literacy: DRC/LVS, parasitics, and standard-cell usage.

    • Prepare layout sandbox for integration of arithmetic units.

    • Identify memory macro boundaries and prepare DEF/LEF templates.

  • Active Tasks (by today)

    • Review SKY130 documentation for SRAM/ROM macro compatibility.

    • Produce report on multiplier/divider area estimates.

    • Begin schematic/layout correlation for critical datapath cells.

Next Steps

  • By end of today: * All teams: submit M-extension verification updates. * Frontend: integration of divider into the main datapath. * Backend: preliminary regression report uploaded to repo. * Layout: internal notes on macro placement and process layers.

  • By next week: * Full M-extension verification suite passing. * Core pipeline validated with stalls, flushes, and forwarding. * Layout team to present first complete floorplan snapshot (with M-unit blocks).