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.

REFERENCES

• 1: Glenford J. Myers, Advances in Computer Architecture, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1982
• 2: Sridhar, R,"An Automatic Microprogram Generator for Direct Execution Machines, * Doctral Dissertation, Washington State University, 1987.
• 3: Chu, Y.,"Architecture of a Hardware Data Interpreter," IEEE Trans. on Comp., Vol C-28, No. 2, Feb. 1979.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.1 CONTROL STRUCTURES AND MICROPROGRAMMING
      B.1.5 Microcode Applications
          Subjects: Direct data manipulation**

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.1 CONTROL STRUCTURES AND MICROPROGRAMMING
      B.1.5 Microcode Applications
          Subjects: Instruction set interpretation
  B.5 REGISTER-TRANSFER-LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION
      B.5.1 Design
          Subjects: Data-path design

  F. Theory of Computation
  F.1 COMPUTATION BY ABSTRACT DEVICES
      F.1.2 Modes of Computation
          Subjects: Parallelism and concurrency
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages