An integrated functional performance simulator

Abstract

Microprocessor designers use multiple simulation tools with varying degrees of modeling details ranging from the instruction set of the microprocessor to the circuit implementation. We focus on tool design for the development of microarchitectures, which implement the instruction set. Microarchitecture design involves both functional and performance simulators. A functional simulator models a machine's architecture, or instruction set, with functional correctness. A performance simulator models the machine organization, or microarchitecture, and is concerned with machine performance. Sometimes these performance simulators are also referred to as cycle-accurate simulators to reflect their concern with timing issues. The FMW PowerPC-based simulation tool will help designers accurately evaluate the effectiveness and validate the correctness of new microprocessor mechanisms.