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Design of a microcode link editor

Published:30 November 1980Publication History
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Abstract

We developed a microcode link editor (microbinder) that supports a variety of different micromachines. The microbinder resolves symbolic label references within and between separately assembled microcode modules, allocates space for each module in control store, and constructs the control store load image and supporting tables. The microbinder also provides a number of other services called for by the special nature of micromachines. It supports microprogramming conventions at a low level to prevent misuse of the hardware, at an intermediate level to limit microfunctionality in certain environments, and at a high level to improve microcode maintainability. Details of these conventions can be defined by the user, in a symbolic language coordinated with engineering documentation. The microbinder was implemented in a high level language, which contributed to its timely delivery, flexibility, and dependability.

References

  1. 1 F. P. Brooks, The Mythical Man-Month, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Reading, Mass. (1975). Google ScholarGoogle ScholarDigital LibraryDigital Library
  2. 2 D. E. Knuth, "An Empirical Study of FORTRAN Programs," Software Practice and Experience vol. 1 (1971), pp. 105-133.Google ScholarGoogle ScholarCross RefCross Ref
  3. 3 S. Schleimer and W. J. Meyers, "Experience with a High Level Micromachine Simulator", Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Microprogramming Workshop, Hershey, Pennsylvania, November 18-21, 1979, pp. 49-54. Google ScholarGoogle ScholarDigital LibraryDigital Library
  4. 4 Eiji Tamura and Mario Tokoro, "Hierarchical Microprogram Generating System", Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Microprogramming Workshop, Hershey, Pennsylvania, November 18-21, 1979, pp. 7-21. Google ScholarGoogle ScholarDigital LibraryDigital Library

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  1. Design of a microcode link editor

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            cover image ACM SIGMICRO Newsletter
            ACM SIGMICRO Newsletter  Volume 11, Issue 3-4
            Dec. 1980
            177 pages
            ISSN:1050-916X
            DOI:10.1145/1014190
            Issue’s Table of Contents

            Copyright © 1980 Author

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            Association for Computing Machinery

            New York, NY, United States

            Publication History

            • Published: 30 November 1980

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