FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, AND LABORATORY INSTRUMENTATION OF A SINGLE-CHIP MICROCOMPUTER AND PROCESSOR

This study investigates the design, manufacturing, and laboratory instrumentation of single-chip microcomputers and processors by integrating architectural theory, manufacturing considerations, and experimental validation within a Design Science Research (DSR) framework. With a deep conceptual approach, the methodology is structured around artefact creation comprising a modelled 32-bit processor architecture and experimental validation through simulation-based analysis. Key analytical dimensions include architectural performance evaluation, power consumption versus processing efficiency, logic gate optimisation, and functional and timing verification. The results demonstrate that microarchitectural enhancements, particularly pipeline implementation and datapath optimisation, significantly improve instruction throughput and reduce latency by lowering cycles per instruction and critical path delays. However, these performance gains are accompanied by increased power consumption, highlighting an inherent trade-off predicted by dynamic power models. Logic gate optimisation further contributes to improved efficiency by reducing propagation delay and switching activity, while timing analysis confirms that all configurations satisfy setup and hold constraints, ensuring stable processor operation. These findings underscore the interdependent relationship between performance, power, and reliability in single-chip processor design. The study concludes that effective processor development requires a multi-objective optimisation approach, balancing architectural efficiency with power-aware design and rigorous validation processes. It recommends the adoption of pipeline-based architectures, integration of energy- efficient manufacturing strategies, and the use of advanced simulation tools to ensure reliable system performance.