CKB-VM As A RISC-V Instruction Set: Inspiration, Design, And Benefits

In part one of this series, we introduced the Nervos CKB-Virtual Machine (CKB-VM), a RISC-V instruction set based VM for executing smart contracts and written in Rust. We covered what the program does and why RISC-V was a good fit for this project. Now let’s look at its additional design benefits.
We can design a VM that has advanced language features. For example, a VM for static verification or a VM that supports advanced data structures or various cryptographic algorithms. However, all blockchain projects must run under a Von Neumann CPU architecture (x86, x86_64, ARM) and all advanced VM features must be mapped to assembly instructions on current generation of CPU architecture, there is no way around this restriction.
After the decision has been made to go with a real CPU instruction set, the next step is to choose which set to use. Commonly used instruction sets include x86 or ARM instruction sets. According to our evaluation, we consider RISC-V instruction set to be the best choice for the CKB VM.
 
To read more, please visit: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/industry-articles/ckb-vm-as-a-risc-v-instruction-set-inspiration-design-and-benefits/.