Project Summary
"Buck Buck Go" combines the open-source PicoRV32 CPU with a custom "V" Vector Extension Vector Processing Unit. This softcore processor is impelmented on the DE1-SoC Cyclone V FPGA. By leveraging vector instructions in BRAM, we accelerate parallel computations and graphics generation directly in hardware—ideal for high-throughput, real-time tasks.
The system accepts live audio from an on-board ADC and I²S interface, funnels samples through a FIFO into the CPU/VPU pipeline, and uses the VPU to perform vectorized arithmetic and memory operations. Game logic and VGA frame buffers (640×480 pixels) are driven entirely by our softcore, showcasing seamless integration of audio, video, and computation.
We validated functionality via simulation (Quartus Prime, ModelSim, SignalTap, System Console) and on-board tests: CPU I/O operations, VPU arithmetic, ADC-to-DAC audio loopback, and incremental video rendering. Results confirm robust performance for interactive gameplay on the DE1-SoC.
Looking ahead, the scalable VPU architecture can accelerate a wide range of parallel workloads — beyond gaming — including on-device, audio-based machine learning (e.g., speech-to-text inference). This positions ou softcore as a flexible platform for future embedded-AI and edge-computing applications.