MIPS support

The MIPS architecture is a RISC-based processor design created in the early 1980s at Stanford University and later commercialized by MIPS Computer Systems. It emphasizes simplicity, regularity, and performance through a clean load/store model, where arithmetic operations are performed only on registers and memory access is handled through separate instructions. This approach simplifies pipeline implementation and enables high instruction throughput.

MIPS uses a fixed-length instruction format, which allows for easier decoding and consistent execution timing, making it well-suited for both academic use and high-performance embedded systems. Its design is highly orthogonal, meaning instructions and registers are used in a uniform and predictable way, which eases compiler development and program optimization.

MIPS64 support

Over the years, MIPS evolved to support both 32-bit and 64-bit processing and was widely adopted in areas like routers, game consoles, and embedded devices. Its influence extended into educational environments due to its straightforward structure, making it a common teaching example in computer architecture courses. Although its presence in the mainstream market has declined with the rise of ARM, MIPS continues to appear in niche and legacy applications.

MIPS CPUs have been widely used across a variety of applications, especially where simplicity, low power, and high performance were needed. In the 1990s and early 2000s, they powered many consumer and embedded products. Notable users included Silicon Graphics (SGI), which used MIPS processors in its high-performance workstations and servers for graphics and scientific computing. Sony and Nintendo integrated MIPS cores into gaming consoles like the PlayStation 1 and 2 and the Nintendo 64, respectively. Cisco and other networking equipment manufacturers adopted MIPS processors extensively in routers and switches due to their efficiency and reliable toolchain. Additionally, MIPS was licensed for use in many embedded systems, from set-top boxes and printers to automotive controllers.