深入理解Neos 2處理器

深入理解Neos 2處理器

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Neos 2 Processor
2. Architecture Summary
3. Neos 2 Processor System Design Flow
   • Hardware Design
   • Software Design
   • System Design
4. Neos 2 Processor Software Design Tools
   • Eclipse GUI Overview
   • Neos 2 Software Build Tools (SBT)
   • Debugging with Neos 2 Debugger
   • Using Lauterbach Instruction Set Simulator
5. Creating and Managing Projects
   • Creating a Neos 2 Application
   • Creating a Neos 2 Board Support Package (BSP)
   • Building and Compiling Projects
6. Programming and Debugging
   • Programming the FPGA Hardware
   • Running Applications on Neos 2
   • Debugging Applications
7. Additional Tools and Resources
   • Neos 2 BSP Editor
   • Intel Quartus Prime Programmer
8. FAQ
   • What is the Neos 2 Processor?
   • How do I debug my Neos 2 application?
   • Where can I find additional resources for Neos 2 development?

Introduction to Neos 2 Processor

Welcome to the Neos 2 training series presented by Intel. This section serves as an introduction to developing software with the Neos 2 processor. My name is Susana, and this online training provides a comprehensive overview and practical exercises using the Intel Quartus Prime software.

Architecture Summary

The Neos 2 processor, developed internally by Intel, utilizes the Harvard architecture with separate instruction and data buses. It is a royalty-free 32-bit RISC soft-core microprocessor designed for FPGA platforms. Two versions are available: the fast version optimized for performance and the economy version, which is free to use without a license but with reduced performance.

The processor features 32 general-purpose registers, 32-bit data and instruction paths, and configurable cache sizes for both instructions and data. It supports tightly coupled memory, branch prediction, and hardware acceleration for operations like multiplication and rotation.

Neos 2 Processor System Design Flow

Hardware Design

The hardware design process begins with creating an FPGA project in Intel Quartus Prime's Platform Designer. This tool integrates Neos 2 processor cores, custom instructions, and peripheral logic into a system design. After integration, HDL files are generated for hardware development.

Software Design

Software development for Neos 2 involves the Neos 2 Software Build Tools (SBT), which include the hardware abstraction layer (HAL), peripheral drivers, and application code in C/C++. Development can be done either through Eclipse-based GUI or command-line interfaces, providing flexibility in managing build options and debugging.

System Design

System design encompasses the overall integration of hardware and software components using the SOPC (System-on-Programmable-Chip) Builder file generated by Platform Designer. This file describes the hardware system and is crucial for software configuration and integration.

Neos 2 Processor Software Design Tools

Eclipse GUI Overview

The Eclipse-based Neos 2 SBT provides a user-friendly interface for software development. It supports Project Management, source code editing, and integrated debugging using JTAG connections or simulators like ModelSim.

Neos 2 Software Build Tools (SBT)

The Neos 2 SBT automates the creation of Board Support Packages (BSPs), essential for configuring Neos 2 systems. It includes compiler tools, runtime environments, and utilities for managing software libraries and applications.

Debugging with Neos 2 Debugger

Debugging Neos 2 applications is facilitated through Eclipse's debug perspective, offering features like breakpoints, watchpoints, and memory inspection. It supports both hardware debugging on FPGA boards and simulation-based debugging.

Using Lauterbach Instruction Set Simulator

The Lauterbach Instruction Set Simulator provides a software-based simulation environment for testing Neos 2 applications without FPGA hardware. It integrates with Eclipse for seamless debugging and verification of code functionality.

Creating and Managing Projects

Creating a Neos 2 Application

To create a Neos 2 application, use the Neos 2 SBT for Eclipse to generate a new project from templates. This project includes source code files, a Makefile, and configurations linked to a specific BSP generated from the SOPC Builder file.

Creating a Neos 2 Board Support Package (BSP)

The Neos 2 BSP contains system-specific support code, device drivers, and configuration files necessary for interfacing with hardware peripherals. It is automatically generated by the SBT and tailored to the hardware described in the SOPC Builder's SOPC CM file.

Building and Compiling Projects

Compile Neos 2 projects by configuring build settings in Eclipse, specifying optimization levels, and linking necessary libraries. The output includes ELF files for programming FPGA hardware and system.h headers defining system memory maps and peripheral access.

Programming and Debugging

Programming the FPGA Hardware

Use Intel Quartus Prime Programmer to upload FPGA configurations (.sof or .pof files) to target boards via JTAG or serial interfaces. Ensure hardware configurations match the Neos 2 application requirements to execute compiled ELF files successfully.

Running Applications on Neos 2

Deploy Neos 2 applications on FPGA hardware by running compiled ELF files configured with specific BSPs. Monitor runtime outputs and interactions through the Neos 2 console within Eclipse, which displays standard I/O and debugging messages.

Debugging Applications

Debug Neos 2 applications using Eclipse's debug perspective, enabling step-by-step execution, breakpoint management, and variable inspection. Ensure JTAG connections and debug cores are configured in Platform Designer for seamless debugging experiences.

Additional Tools and Resources

Neos 2 BSP Editor

The Neos 2 BSP Editor provides advanced control over BSP configurations, including device driver settings, memory mappings, and software package integrations. Customize BSPs to optimize performance, reduce footprint, or enable specific features like networking stacks.

Intel Quartus Prime Programmer

Launch the Intel Quartus Prime Programmer from Quartus Prime's Tools menu to program FPGA hardware with generated configuration files. Choose programming cables and configurations (JTAG, serial, flash) suitable for your FPGA board setup.

FAQ

What is the Neos 2 Processor?

The Neos 2 is a 32-bit RISC soft-core microprocessor developed by Intel for FPGA platforms, featuring Harvard architecture and customizable configurations for performance and resource efficiency.

How do I debug my Neos 2 application?

Debug Neos 2 applications using Eclipse's debug perspective, setting breakpoints, watchpoints, and memory inspections. Ensure JTAG connections and debug cores are configured correctly in Platform Designer.

Where can I find additional resources for Neos 2 development?

Explore the Neos 2 Processor landing page on Altera.com for downloads, documentation, support forums, and community resources. For specific queries, contact Intel FPGA Support or refer to online technical resources.

Resources:

• Neos 2 Processor Landing Page
• Intel FPGA Support Center
• Community Support and Wiki Sites