New directions for micro- and system architectures in the 1980s

ABSTRACT

After approximately 30 years experience with microprogrammed control concepts, we find ourselves at an interesting turning point leading into the 1980s. Experience with various microprogrammed control techniques has been obtained, some experience has been obtained in recent years in the redistribution of functions between various software and microarchitectural levels and we have a better idea of methods of timing and synchronization. This knowledge together with the possibilities brought on by VLSI will meet in the 1980s and have several interesting effects upon system architecture at microarchitecture and higher architectural levels.

We shall consider some of the opportunities and limitations of VLSI and their potential effects upon microarchitecture followed by a view of the future utilization of "programmed logic." More specifically, we shall be considering the organization of logic, synchronization, microarchitecture characteristics, target machine properties and special purpose microprogrammed machines. Further, we shall touch upon relationships to function distribution, computer aided design and the possibilities for architectural synthesis.

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