A 32-bit LISP Processor for the Al Workstation ELIS with a Multiple Programming Paradigm Language, TAO

This paper describes a 32-bit LISP processor chip developed for the AI workstation ELIS with the multiple programming paradigm language TAO. The objective of this microprocessor is to realize an S-expression machine that can match the speed of conventional machines for compiled code execution. Architectural features are a repetitive structure for VLSI implementation of the tagged architecture and a dedicated datapath for list manipulation. All the processor functions are realized on a single VLSI chip that uses a 2-micron CMOS process. ELIS supports not only LISP but also multiple programming paradigms. The ELIS interpreter has a higher performance than that of any other dedicated machine on the market.