A WASM-Subset Stack Architecture for Low-cost FPGAs using Open-Source EDA Flows

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-cost, open-source FPGA microprocessor architecture based on a WASM-inspired ISA, optimized for resource constraints, and capable of executing simple applications with high code density and transparency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel dual-stack microprocessor design using a WASM subset ISA, synthesized with open-source tools for resource-constrained FPGAs, enabling transparent and portable deployment.

Findings

Achieved 27 MHz stable frequency on Gowin GW1NR-9 FPGA.

Implemented execution-in-place from SPI Flash to conserve Block RAM.

Demonstrated successful execution of simple calculator applications.

Abstract

Soft-core processors on resource-constrained FPGAs often suffer from low code density and reliance on proprietary toolchains. This paper details the design, implementation, and evaluation of a 32-bit dual-stack microprocessor architecture optimized for low-cost, resource-constrained Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Implemented on the Gowin GW1NR-9 (Tang Nano 9K), the processor utilizes an instruction set architecture (ISA) inspired from a subset of the WebAssembly (WASM) specification to achieve high code density. Unlike traditional soft-cores that often rely on proprietary vendor toolchains and opaque IP blocks, this design is synthesized and routed utilizing an open-source flow, providing transparency and portability. The architecture features a dual-stack model (Data and Return), executing directly from SPI Flash via an Execute-in-Place (XIP) mechanism to conserve scarce Block RAM on the intended target device. An analysis of the trade-offs involved in stack depth parametrization is presented, demonstrating that an 8-entry distributed RAM implementation provides a balance between logic resource utilization ($\sim 80\%$) and routing congestion. Furthermore, timing hazards in single-cycle stack operations are identified and resolved through a refined Finite State Machine (FSM) design. The system achieves a stable operating frequency of 27 MHz, limited by Flash latency, and successfully executes simple applications including a single and multi-digit infix calculator.