Softcore

SoftCore A SoftCore (or soft processor core) is a processor design described in a hardware description language (HDL), such as VHDL or Verilog, and implemented on programmable logic (e.g., an FPGA). Unlike a HardCore processor fixed in silicon, a SoftCore is flexible and reconfigurable, allowing customization, extensions, or multiple instances in the same device. Examples include MicroBlaze, Nios II, and RISC-V soft cores. Another example is SEGGER's Speedy softcore, an 8-bit CPU running at 500MHz and more in an AMD Ultrascale FPGA. It executes instruction in a single cycle and can hence at 500MHz provide accurate 2ns timing.