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Towards an efficient, machine-independent language for microprogramming

Published:18 November 1979Publication History
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Abstract

A machine independent low level language YALLL is presented. This language produces microcode for two very different machines: Hewlett Packard HP 300 and Digital Equipment Corporation VAX 11/780. The efficiency of this language is tested by comparing two examples on both machines to microassembly coded versions. To our best knowledge, this is the first time programs have been compiled and executed on two different microarchitectures. These examples also let us compare the efficiency of the microarchitectures and macroarchitectures of these machines and re-examine the benefits of microprogramming versus macroprogramming. We conclude this paper with comments upon transportability of high level microprogramming languages.

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                cover image ACM SIGMICRO Newsletter
                ACM SIGMICRO Newsletter  Volume 10, Issue 4
                Dec. 1979
                113 pages
                ISSN:1050-916X
                DOI:10.1145/1014188
                Issue’s Table of Contents

                Copyright © 1979 Authors

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                Association for Computing Machinery

                New York, NY, United States

                Publication History

                • Published: 18 November 1979

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