Soft core (synthesis)

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A soft core (also called softcore) is a digital circuit that can be wholly implemented using logic synthesis. It can be implemented via different semiconductor devices containing programmable logic (e.g., ASIC, FPGA, CPLD), including both high-end and commodity variations. [1] Many soft cores may be implemented in one FPGA. [2] In those multi-core systems, rarely used resources can be shared between all the cores.

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Examples of soft core implementations are soft microprocessors, graphics chips like AGA or Open Graphics Project, harddisc controllers etc.

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References

  1. Felch, Andrew (2011-10-07). "Zet soft core running Windows 3.0". The Daily Circuit. Archived from the original on 2018-10-13.
  2. Maxfield, Clive (2006). "FPGA Architectures from 'A' to 'Z' : Part 2". Embedded.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-08.