Abstract
This paper describes a general purpose, microprogrammable, hardware building block called an Interpreter, an LSI-multiprocessing system in which the Interpreter is used, and a machine structure, implemented via firmware on the Interpreter.
The Interpreter consists of five types of functional modules, each partitioned for eventual implementation with LSI arrays of 450-750 gates and less than 126 signal pins. One of these functional units is the writable microprogram memory, whose contents define the function of the Interpreter. The flexibility of the Interpreter is typified by its present use as a device controller, a stand-alone emulator of other machines, and as a multiprocessor.
The Interpreter's main design concept allows functions formerly performed by software alone to be now performed by the emulating hardware. In this presentation an instruction set, which includes those software functions frequently and consistently used in operating systems, is emulated. The order code will allow for easy table and list manipulation or handling since much of scheduling and resource handling is confined to such operations.
The ability to write code independent of the data to be processed is provided by accessing information through descriptions. These descriptions can locate the requested information, describe its structure, impose controls on the use of the information and provide signals to the operating system for special functions.
- M. V. Wilkes, "The Growth of Interest in Microprogramming: A Literature Survey," Computing Surveys vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 139--145, September, 1969. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- R. F. Rosin, "Contemporary Concepts of Microprogramming and Emulation," Computing Surveys, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 197--212, December, 1969. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- C. V. Ramamoorthy and M. Tsuchiya, "A Study of User-microprogrammable Computers," AFIPS Conf. Proc. (SJCC), vol. 36. Montvale, N.J.: AFIPS Press, pp. 165--181, 1970. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- S. S. Husson, Microprogramming: Principles and Practices, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1970.Google Scholar
- A. J. Critchlow, "Generalized Multiprocessing and Multiprogramming Systems," AFIPS Conf. Proc. (FJCC), vol. 24, New York, N.Y.: Spartan Books, pp. 107--126, 1963. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- B. Wald, "Throughput and Cost Effectiveness of Monoprogrammed, Multiprogrammed, and Multiprocessing Digital Computers," NRL Report 6549. Project No. RF-001-08041, April, 1967.Google Scholar
- G. R. Blakeney, et. al., "An Application-oriented Multiprocessing System: Design Characteristics of the 9020 System," IBM Systems Journal vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 80--94, 1967. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- B. W. Lampson, "A Scheduling Philosophy for Multiprocessing Systems," Comm. ACM, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 347--360, May, 1968. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- A. S. Buchman, "Aerospace Computers," Advances in Computers, vol. 9, F. L. Alt and M. Rubinoff, Eds. New York: Academic Press, 1968.Google Scholar
- D. O. Baechler, "Aerospace Computer Characteristics and Design Trends," Computer, vol. 4. no. 1, pp. 46--57, January/February, 1971. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- O. L. MacSorely, "High Speed Arithmetic in Binary Computers" Proc. IRE, pp. 67--91, January 1961.Google Scholar
- L. S. Garret, "Integrated-Circuit Digital Logic Families, IEEE Spectrum, vol. 7, no. 10, pp. 46--58, October 1970; no. 11, pp. 63--92, November, 1970; no. 12, pp. 30--42, December 1970. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- "The Descriptor - A definition of the B 5500 Information Processing System," Burroughs Corp., February, 1961.Google Scholar
- R. F. Rosin, "Supervisory and Monitor Svstems," Computing Surveys, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 37--54, March, 1969. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- B. J. Huberman, "Principles of Operation of the Venus Microprogram," Mitre Technical Report 1843, May 1, 1970.Google Scholar
- "A Narrative Description of the Burroughs B 5500," Burroughs Corp., May, 1965.Google Scholar
- R. Barton, Private conversations, 1967--1969.Google Scholar
Index Terms
Structure of a multiprocessor using microprogrammable building blocks
Recommendations
Design of a user-microprogrammable building block
MICRO 13: Proceedings of the 13th annual workshop on MicroprogrammingA user-microprogrammable computer has been developed for use as a building block in general-purpose and dedicated computer systems. The architecture is designed to be easily microprogrammed and features a 32-bit, vertically oriented microinstruction. ...
Design of a user-microprogrammable building block
A user-microprogrammable computer has been developed for use as a building block in general-purpose and dedicated computer systems. The architecture is designed to be easily microprogrammed and features a 32-bit, vertically oriented microinstruction. ...
BUILD: a primitive approach to the design of computer languages and their translators
The traditional approach to computer language design has been to design one language at a time. This approach has led to languages which are syntactally complex and incompatible with one another. The proposed approach develops a language base, utilizing ...






Comments