Phase coupling for horizontal microcode generation

ABSTRACT

Microcode for mass produced architectures is still predominantly generated by hand. Yet, as speed dictates the vertical migration of commonly executed functions to microcode, the demand for automated code generation increases. Though considerably more complex than phase-decoupled methods, phase-coupled methods for the generation of horizontal microcode have the potential to produce more highly optimized microcode. Results of the retargetable phase-coupled microcode compiler, Horizon, are presented and directions suggested.

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