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--- title: System Architecture type: component summary: Processors and device groups of the PlayStation and how they connect. category: Hardware --- ## Overview The PlayStation is made up of processors and device groups centered on a 32-bit RISC CPU. Together they implement all functions such as graphics and sound.[^hw13] The PlayStation has the following blocks: Table: System blocks | Block | Description | | --- | --- | | [CPU](/hardware/cpu/)[^hw13] | R3000A-based 32-bit RISC CPU with I-cache and scratchpad | | GTE | Graphics data generating processor | | [GPU](/hardware/gpu/) | Graphics data drawing processor with its frame buffer | | [SPU](/hardware/spu/) | Audio processor with its sound buffer | | MDEC | Motion decoder | | [CD-ROM decoder](/hardware/cd-rom/) | CD-ROM decoder with its CD-ROM buffer | | PIO | Extended parallel port | | SIO | Extended serial port | | OS ROM | OS kernel and boot loader | ## CPU and Its Peripherals Main memory and an interrupt controller surround the 32-bit RISC CPU at the base of the PlayStation.[^hw14] The CPU contains an instruction cache and a scratchpad memory.[^hw14] ## Graphics System The graphics system is made up of the GTE and the GPU.[^hw14] The GTE is a coprocessor of the CPU. It performs fixed-point matrix and vector operations for coordinate transformation and light source calculation.[^hw14] The GPU draws polygons on instructions from the CPU. The frame buffer is mapped in its own 2-dimensional address space.[^hw14] The CPU transfers texture images and color palettes (CLUT) to the frame buffer. The GPU then draws polygons from the coordinates and colors that the GTE computes.[^hw14] ## Sound System The sound system is made up of the SPU and the CD-ROM decoder.[^hw14] The SPU is a 24-voice ADPCM sound source operated by the CPU. It has its own address space with the sound buffer mapped in it.[^hw14] The CPU transfers ADPCM data to the sound buffer. Key On, Key Off and modulation information from the CPU make the SPU play it.[^hw14] ## CD-ROM System The CD-ROM system is made up of the drive, the decoder and the other parts needed to read a CD-ROM.[^hw15] ## Data Expansion Engine The data expansion engine (MDEC) performs the inverse DCT at high speed. It expands JPEG data and MPEG data compressed within the frame only.[^hw15] ## Controller The controller passes the player's input to the application. A Multi tap connects more controllers than the two connectors on the main unit.[^hw15] ## Memory Card The Memory Card stores data that must survive a reset or power off. A Multi tap connects more cards than the two connectors on the main unit.[^hw15] ## Expansion Ports The PlayStation has two types of expansion port: serial and parallel.[^hw15] ## References [^hw13]: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PlayStation Hardware. August 1998. Page 1-3, Figure 1-1. [^hw14]: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PlayStation Hardware. August 1998. Page 1-4, Figure 1-2. [^hw15]: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PlayStation Hardware. August 1998. Page 1-5, Figure 1-3.