Abstract
In this paper, we address the overall project and resulting development of a new plug-in called MIPS X-Ray, intended for the MARS simulation environment of the MIPS architecture, which is widely used in the processes of teaching and learning about computer architecture in various educational institutions throughout the world. Specifically, through the use of graphical animations, the proposed plug-in enables a better understanding of data flow models and the combined operation of functional units given the execution of certain instructions by the architecture processor. Thus, several computer architecture concepts, which are often complex and abstract, can be more easily presented to and assimilated by the students in this learning area. Through the use of a validation source code with the main functions of the MIPS instruction set, the tests performed with the proposed plug-in demonstrate the significant potential of this tool.
Highlights
In computer architecture and organization classes, the teaching approach that has proven most effective for analyzing the operation of a processor is based on the use of datapath diagrams [1]-[3]
In this paper, we address the overall project and resulting development of a new plug-in called MIPS X-Ray, intended for the MARS simulation environment of the MIPS architecture, which is widely used in the processes of teaching and learning about computer architecture in various educational institutions throughout the world
Through the use of graphical animations, the proposed plug-in enables a better understanding of data flow models and the combined operation of functional units given the execution of certain instructions by the architecture processor
Summary
In computer architecture and organization classes, the teaching approach that has proven most effective for analyzing the operation of a processor is based on the use of datapath diagrams [1]-[3]. Throughout the execution of an instruction, functional units perform different functions according to the control signals received, changing the unit status at each instant [1] This dynamic behavior creates difficulty in analyzing the overall operation of the processor when observing the corresponding diagram because it is only relevant at a given moment. It should be emphasized that it is not our goal in this study to create a full-system simulator but instead to focus on the process of processor graphical representation To achieve this goal, the present work is based on the use of one of the most complete and functional simulators among those currently available, the MARS simulator [9]. This paper builds on our previous work [16] with (1) a new and improved paper structure to present the MIPS XRay plug-in; (2) an updated discussion of related work; (3) a more comprehensive explanation of the proposed plugin, including the presentation of new functionalities and enhancements, : (i) a new datapath model, which represents the MIPS architecture more detailed, displaying the data flow among functional units, and the control signals used, (ii) the possibility of using different datapath models; and (4) a new section that briefly describes tests and results obtained
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