LCP: FPGA based processors for education

Soft-core CPU models considered for FPGA hardware implementation have become a proven educational tool in many computer design/architecture courses. Following this method students obtain better and deeper understanding of CPU’s operation and through the implementation of a fully working processor based on FPGA they gain practical design experience. The approach has shown significant improvements in the learning process. This paper presents the LCP (low complexity processor) family of simplified FPGA-based processors we developed for use as design examples and educational models.