Information structures in language directed architectures

Abstract

Only recently has the design of computer architectures deviated from the Von Neumann style. Most architectures based on the Von Neumann architecture suffer from what is called 'the semantic gap'. This means that the objects and operations in a high level language (HLL) are not closely related to the objects and operations in the architectures that execute the HLL [1]. This paper addresses the issues involved in the semantic gap problem, by formulating a framework based on 'information structures' that would aid in the design of HLL architectures. First digital computers are defined based on 'information structures'. Execution of a program in an HLL is defined in terms of transformations on information structures. An architecture design methodology is proposed and some comments about performance are made. Finally different ways of implementing information structures are considered.