Abstract

Microcode is a symbolic way to simplify control design that allows changing, testing and updating the control unit of processors. By changing the microcode, the same datapath can be used for an entirely different application, such as supporting a completely different instruction set. For these reasons, a majority of control units in modern day processors are microcoded. The object was to investigate and implement a graphical microcode simulator with a reconfigurable datapath and microcode format. By allowing a wide configuration of the datapath, many types of logical processors can be designed and simulated. The resulting implemented simulator is able to fill the void in microprogramming tools since there are no graphical microcode simulators that allow such customization of the datapath. The customization of the datapath goes beyond allowing different files specifying the datapath, it allows the datapath to be created and modified using the graphical interface.This tool is able to be used to design and simulate general-purpose processors and application specific processors through datapath and microcode configurations. In the academic setting, this tool provides easier microcode testing through verification on the instruction level for instructors and provide simulation debugging through code tracing and breakpoints for students.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Microprogramming; Microprocessors--Design and construction--Computer simulation

Publication Date

12-11-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Computer Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Shaaban, Muhammad - Chair

Advisor/Committee Member

Czernikowski, Roy

Advisor/Committee Member

Melton, Roy

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: QA76.635 .V36 2006

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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