The implementation and design methodology of a quad-core version Godson-3 microprocessor

Godson-3A is a quad-core version of Godson-3 series which is a 174mm2, 425 million transistors chip fabricated using 65nm CMOS LP/GP process technology. It can be running at 1GHz with less than 15W power consumption. Large scale, high frequency, low power and tight time schedule make great challenges in the chip design. To overcome these challenges, a design methodology based on ASIC combining with semi-custom (manual placement and routing using standard cells) and full-custom is adopted. This paper describes the implementation of Godson-3A microprocessor and the methodology used in the chip design.