The PB8051 Microcontroller Core is a sophisticated FPGA-based implementation that emulates the popular 8051 microcontroller family, specifically designed for Xilinx FPGAs. It offers comprehensive software compatibility with the 8031, enabling the execution of object code developed for 8051 design tools. This core includes essential components such as two timers and a serial port, facilitating diverse microcontroller functions.
Constructed to optimize resource usage, the PB8051 is significantly compact, leveraging only 300 slices, a mere fraction compared to competing cores. The architecture employs the Xilinx PicoBlaze microcontroller, allowing for superior performance by operating at a clock rate of 4 times the legacy 8051. Its unique design ensures that program code can be executed from either the FPGA's internal Block RAM or an external EPROM.
Roman-Jones provides a comprehensive reference design and simulation tools, aiding developers in seamlessly integrating the microcontroller with their systems. The core's support for existing 8051 object code and flexible configuration through VHDL or Verilog makes it an ideal choice for embedding a microcontroller within FPGAs.
