The development of the MU5 computer system

ABSTRACT

Following a brief outline of the background of the MU5 project, the aims and ideas for MU5 are discussed. A description is then given of the instruction set, which includes a number of features conducive to the production of efficient compiled code from high-level language source programs. The design of the processor is then traced from the initial ideas for an associatively addressed “name store” to the final multistage pipeline structure involving a prediction mechanism for instruction prefetching and a function queue for array element accessing. An overall view of the complete MU5 complex is presented together with a brief indication of its performance.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.2 HISTORY OF COMPUTING
      Subjects: Systems

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization

General Terms:
Design, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
architecture, associative storage, computer complex, descriptor, function queue, instruction buffering, instruction set, naming, pipeline, virtual storage