Hybrid tool for universal microprocessor development: McCracken, DComputer Des. Vol 19 No 4 (April 1980) pp 119–126

Abstract

Microprogramming commonly executed operations can improve the computational speed of data processing systems. This paper describes how microprogramming may be used to execute directly the intermediate text generated by a high-level language compiler after syntactic and semantic analysis of the input source program.Direct microprogrammed execution of common forms of intermediate text—i.e. quadruples, triples, and duos—has been simulated. A comparison is made, in terms of storage requirements and execution time, of this direct microprogrammed system with the present methods which result in machine language representation and execution of the intermediate text. Direct generation of a microprogram from the high-level language statements is also examined.Timing assumptions for comparative purposes have been based on the IBM 360 MOD 50 system. Simulation and timing estimates for the microprograms have been carried out on a microprogram directed simulator which closely represents the architectural organization of the MOD 50.