Using databases to support the development of microcode

The design and verification of microcode for a processor with a complex instruction set can be a complicated task. In this paper it is shown how a standard relational database can be used at various stages to simplify such a design process, as automatic microcode generation is not always suitable for this process. Using the example of a coprocessor for list manipulation, it is demonstrated how the database can be used to enter the microprogram, check various aspects of consistency, generate simulation patterns for the datapath and finally to generate the optimized microcode.